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REMINISCENCES 



OF 



BUREAU COUNTY, 



IN TWO PARTS, 



'<:^' COPYRIGHT ^^ 



KT/T^ ILLUSTRATIONS. 



Bt Nf MATSON 



PRINCETON, ILLINOIS: 
REPUBLICAN BOOK AND JOB OFFICE. 

1872. 



But-red according to an act of Congi-e»s, in the year 1S72, by 

N. MATSON, 

la the Clerk's oftico of the District Court of tin; Uiiittii States, in ami for 

Northern District of lllinoiH. 



INTRODUCTION TO PART .FIRST. 

The writer ot the following story came to Bureau 
goon after the settlement had been commenced, and 
experienced some of the inconveniences common to 
the settlement of a new country. At that time, the 
prairies of this county were in a state of nature, without 
roads, fields, or dwellings, a part of which had not yet 
been surveyed. The only marks of civilization to be 
seen were a few log cabins, built here and there in 
the edge of the timber, and throughout the county there 
was scarcely a school, or meeting house; not one 
surveyed road, nor one stream bridged. Indian trails 
were still to be seen, and traveled both by whites and 
Indians. 

The writer was well acquainted with the first settlers, 
and from them much of this story was obtained. 
He also had frequent interviews with Indians, who had 
spent their youthful days on Bureau, and from them 
many important facts were gathered. 

There are some incidents narrated in this story, which 
were unknown to the early settlers, but the most of 



them were well known, and will be confirmed by 
persons still living. Eflfbrts were made to harmonize 
the early traditions of this county, as well as the state- 
ments of Indians, with well established facts, and with 
a few exceptions it has been successful. 

In historical sketches, discrepancies in narratives will 
occasionally appear, which must necessaril}^ be supplied 
by inference of the writer, and tliis story is not an 
exception to the rule. 

Neither money nor emulation induced the writer to 
offer these pages to the public ; the necessarily limited 
circulation would prevent the former, and the criticisms 
common to local publications the latter. But another 
motive more laudable in its nature, and more useful in 
its effects, caused this work to appear, that is the great 
desire to preserve the early history of the count}-. The 
testimony of many of the early settlers, who are now 
in their graves, as well as of Indians that have long 
since passed away, was alone in possession of the writer, 
and justice required that it should be given to the 
public. 

The labors of the writer may not at present be 
appreciated, but the time will come when these facts, 
although crudel}^ expressed, will be regarded of great 
importance, forming as they do the connecting link of 
history between the past, present and future. 

N. M. 
Princeton, March, 1873. 



o o :^r T E T^ T s . 



CHAPTER I. 

Pagk. 

The Missionary and the Outlaw — The Indian F'east — Black 
Hawk's Appeal to the Pottawatamie Warriors — Speech of 
Senachwine — Senachwine's Death and Burial — Visit to his 

Grave, 15 

CHAPTER II. 
American Fur Company — Mike Girty, the Outlaw — The In- 
dian Village — Gen. Cass in Council, 35 

CHAPTER III. 
Bureau County in a State of Nature — Pioneers — Religion 

Among the Pioneers, J'>3 

CHAPTER IV. 
Rev. James Sample Preaching to Sinners — The Parson Turns 
Horse Jockey — Job May, the Hunter, and his Beautiful 

Daughter— Misfortune of Old Blind Bob 37 

CHAPTER V. 
Thomas Hartzell, the Indian Trader — Conspiracy to Murder 
the Settlers — The Murderers Detected, and the Lives of the 

Settlers Saved, 44 

CHAPTER VI. 
An Old Land Mark— Murder of Simmons— The Disputed 
Claim, 49 



CHAPTER VII. 

A Search for a Lead Mine — Patrick O'Lear and his Wonderful 
Revelation — False Alarm and Flight of the Settlers — Pat 
O'Lear Killed, Scalped, but comes to Life Again — Escape of 
Dave Jones and Family, 58 

CHAPTER VIIL 

The Great Indian Council — Indians Leave Bureau — Indians at 
the Graves of their Fathers, 66 

CHAPTER IX. 

Dad Joe — Frightened by the Indians — Indians Approach the 
Grove — The Lone Traveler — Approach of Stillman's Army 
— Camp Attacked — A Joke of Capt. Hackleton, . . .74 

CHAPTER X. 
Commencement of Hostilities — Flight of the Settlers — Lieut. 
Jones' Wonderful Account of Stillman's Defeat, . . 82 

CHAPTER XL 
Rev. James Sample and Wife — Flight and Capture — The Ex- 
ecution, ... 9a 

CHAPTER XII. 
Bulbona — The Fair Maiden and her Two Lovers — The Wed- 
ding — The Wedding Dinner — Four Travelers Arrive — The 
Dance and Tragedy, , . 104 

CHAPTER XIII. 
Military Forces Organized — Fort Thomas — Scare at Hennepin 
and Search for Indians — Fort Wilburn and Ay res' Black- 
smith Shop, 116 

CHAPTER XIV. 
Explanation — Shaubena — Adventure of Shaubena at Chicago, 124 

CHAPTER XV. 

Indian Creek Settlenxent — Indians Leave Bureau — The Massa- 
cre — Fifteen Persons Killed and Two Girls Captured — 
Sheriff Walker's Two Indian Prisoners, .... ISH 



CHAPTER XVI. 

Captivity of Sylvia and Rachel Hall, 146 

CHAPTER XVn. 

Girty's Band Visit Fox River Settlement — Adam Paine, the 
Missionary — Murder of Rev. Adam Paine, .... 154 

CHAPTER XVni. 
Bearer of the Governor's Dispatch — Girty and His Baud Re- 
turn to Bureau — Indians on a Scout — Flight ot General 
Atkinson's Party 1G3 

CHAPTER XIX. 

Boyd's Grove — Organizin;;- the Militia— Arrival of the Potato 
Birgade — Peculiarities of Old Ben — The Attack and Re- 
pul«e — Failure of an Indian Raid, 17'J 

CHAPTER XX. 

Settlers Return to Look After Their Cattle — Phillips Killed, 
and Ament's Cabin Attacked — Flight of the Indians and 
Pursuit by the Rangers, 184 

CHAPTER XXI. 

Gen. Scott's Army Passes Through Bureau County — The 
Captive's Return — Retribution, 195 

CHAPTER XXII. 
Girty's Arrival at Princeton — Two Great Paper Cities — The 

Last of Girty, . 300 

Contents of Part Second. See Page, 317 



ILLUSTRATIONS 



Pagk. 

Portrait of Michael Kitterman, - - 57 

Flight of Settlers, - - - - 87 

Execution of Sample and Wife, - - 101 

Portrait of Shaubena, - - - 127 

Flight of Gen. Atkinson, - - - 167 

Killing of Phillips, - - - 187 

Girty's Arrival at Princeton, - - 201 

Portrait of John H. Bryant, - , 213 

" " Abram Stratton,- - - - 255 ^i 

" " William Hoskins, - - 285'/ 

" " Sylvester Brigham, - - 305 

" " Cyrus Langworthy, - - 337 

" " Eli Smith, - - - - 359 

" " Joel Doolittle, - - 377 

" James G. Forristall, - - 389 



CHAPTER I. 



THE MISSIONARY AND THE OUTLAW. 

On the morning of the 25th of June, 1830, two men 
were seen riding across the prairie between East and 
Main Bureau, one of whom was a large, portly man, 
with a high forehead, black, piercing eyes, and whose 
black beard hung in waving clusters over his breast. 
This man was Adam Paine, a missionary among the 
Indians, who was well known by many of the early 
settlers of the northwest. The appearance of his trav- 
eling companion was the opposite in almost every 
particular, being a large, broad-shouldered, heavy-set 
man, with high cheek bones, a flat pug nose, black 
eagle like eyes, and whose general appearance indicated 
a low savage character. The reader will recognize in 
tliis description Mike Girty, a half-breed Indian, and 
an outlaw. The travelers, at the time we introduce 
them, were returning from a tour among the Indians 
on tlie Kankakee river — Paine as a preacher, and Girty 
as an interpreter — and they were now on their way to 



16 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

Bureau creek to attend an Indian feast. After having 
swam their horses across the Illinois river, they were 
slowly pursuing their way across the prairie, and over 
the very spot the city of Princeton now stands. Instead 
of a populous town, surrounded 1)y well cultivated 
farms, with fine buildings and thriving orchards, as we 
now see it, forty years ago it was in a state of nature, 
where the deer and the wolf roamed undisturbed by 
human habitation. No whistling of steam engines, 
clattering of machinery, nor musical notes of school 
or church bells were then heard in this wild region. 
The beautiful rolling prairie at that time, covered with 
flowers of every hue, extending to the northeast as far 
as the eye could reach ; while to the southwest, the view 
was obstructed by a large grove of timber, not yet dis- 
fio-ured bv the woodman's axe. 



THE INDIAN FEAST. 

On Main Bureau creek, near the mouth of Epperson's 
run, were collected a large body of Indians for the 
purpose of holding their annual feast, and to attend 
this feast our travelers were bound. A number of 
chiefs from a distance were here; among them were 
Black Hawk, Senachwine, Shaubena, Waba, and many 
other distinguished chiefs and warriors from the sur- 
rounding tribes. The principal object this large dele- 
gation of chiefs and warriors had in attending this 



THE INDIAN FEAST. 17 

least, was to unite the different tribes of the west in a 
war against tlie whites. This union was intended by 
them to be inaugurated under religious influences, and 
tliereby cause the warriors to believe that they were 
acting in accordance with the will of the Great Spirit. 
The Indians had killed a number of their favorite dogs, 
and roasted them whole, on which they were feasting. 
In the midst of their encampment, an altar was erected, 
on which were burning sacrifices, that had been offered 
up to the Great Spirit to appease his MTath, and therel)y 
insure their success in war, hunting, fishing, etc. Skins, 
war implements, and various kinds of trinkets were 
burned on the altar while the Indians danced around it, 
yelling at the top of their voices. A number of priests, 
dressed in long robes, faces powdered, and their head 
ornamented with turkey feathers, were directing the 
exercises. With uplifted hands, and their eyes turned 
heavenwards, they invoked the blessing of the Great 
Spirit on the assembled multitude. Many of the 
Indians were di'essed so as to represent different kinds 
of animals — some in the skin of a deer with large horns 
on their heads, standing out in bold relief; others in a 
skin of a dog, or wolf, running about on all fours, with 
their nose to the ground, tail dragging behind, and 
howling in imitation of the animal they represented ; 
many of the Indians had painted their faces in repre- 
sentation of the sun, moon and stars, and the place they 
occupied in the performance was in accordance with 
their ideas of the solar system. Their religious exer- 



18 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

cises consisted principally in loud demonstrations of joy 
and grief; sometimes running around a circle on their 
hands and knees, jumping up and down, clapping their 
hands together, while their whoops and yells could be 
heard for miles away.* 

When the Indians had completed their feast, and the 
ceremonies connected with their religious exercises, 
Paine mounted a log and preached to them the words 
of life, while Girty stood by him interpreting his sermon 
to the Indians. Paine, with that energy and zeal pe- 
culiar to him, explained to his hearers the many errors 
of their heathen religion, and the great importance of 
embracing Christianity. Those who have heard Paine 
preach will recollect his peculiar manner of address, 
with his body erect, hands uplifted, voice toned to its 
highest key ; his features gleaming with enthusiasm, 
while his thick, coal black beard extended down to his 
waist, giving to him a very impressive, as well as rever- 
ential appearance. He explained to his hearers the 
principles of the Christian religion, which enjoined on 
all its votaries peace and good will to all mankind; 
admonishing them never again to make war on their 
white brethren ; that war was wicked, the work of the 
devil, and would result in their ruin. Many of the 
Indians were converted under his preaching, and de- 
clared their intention of giving up the religion of their 



* For an account of this Indian feast the writer is indebted to Peter 
Demott, an old pioneer hunter, who was an eye-witness to these 
strange performances. 



BLACK hawk's APPEAL. 19 

lathers for that of Christianity. A number of warriors 
in the audience said that they would forever bury the 
tomahawk, and no longer be under the control of 
wicked chiefs wlut were trying to lead them astray. 



BLACK HAWK S APPEAL TO THE POTTAWATAMIE WAR- 
RIORS. 

The main object of Black Hawk in attending this 
feast, was to induce the Pottawatamies to join him in a 
war of extermination against the frontier settlers of the 
northwest. Many of the chiefs had already pledged 
themselves to his support, and the scheme was fast 
gaining favor with the warriors. While Paine was 
preaching, Black Hawk sat on the ground in front of 
him, watching the effect of his words upon the warriors. 
But when he found that the eloquence of the speaker 
was about to ruin his cause, he sprang to his feet in a 
terrible rage, and waving his tomahawk over his head, 
he denounced Paine as an enemy of the red man, his 
religion as coming from the evil one, and only fit for 
white men and squaws. He appealed to the warriors 
for the sake of their fathers to stand by him in his 
grand scheme for exterminating the whites, and thereby 
sustain the honor of their race. In this a])peal he said : 
" The whites have already ordered me and my people 
away from our beautiful home at Kock Island, com- 
pelling us to give up our wigwams, cornfields, and 



20 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

hunting grounds, and leave the graves of our 
fathers to be plowed over by our enemies. The land 
which the Great Spirit gave unto our fathers as a pos- 
session for themselves and their children forever, is now 
about to be taken from us. We are compelled to leave 
our country, the haunts of our youth, with its big 
rivers, beautiful green prairies, its shady groves, and go 
away into a strange land, leaving all that is dear unto 
us in the possession of the conquerors. And before 
many moons you too will have to leave your homes and 
seek a refuge beyond the ' Father of Waters.' Already 
the whites are building wigwams among you, and the 
sound of their axe is heard cutting down the forest to 
scare away the deer. Soon the game will leave — your 
trails will be fenced up, and you will be driven fi-om 
the land of your fathers. Therefore rise in your might, 
tomahawk the intruders — cut the throats of their squaws 
and little ones, so that in future no pale face will settle 
among you." 



SPEECH OF SENACHWINE. 

Seated on the ground in front of Black Hawk, and 
listening to his speech, was an Indian stricken in years, 
but whose countenance, at the remarks of the last 
speaker, became flushed with excitement, and for the 
time being showed some of the vigor of youth. For 
more than fifty years the voice of this Indian had been 
heard in council, and by his wisdom and goodness he 



SPEECH OF SENATCHWINE. 21 

had long since been styled the father of his people. He 
had acquired great celebrity throughout the west, and 
his fine oratory had eulogies from writers, lioth in prose 
and poetry. Tliis Indian was Senacliwine, the principal 
chief of the Pottawatamies, At the conchision of 
Black Hawk's speech, he rose to his feet, his face glowing 
with enthusiasm, while around his massive brow, and 
blowing to and fro by the wind, were long locks of hair 
whitened by the snow^s of eighty -six winters. Throwing 
his blanket from his shoulders, and straightening himself 
up to his full height, he said ; " For more than seventy 
years I have hunted in this gro\'e and fished in this 
stream, and for as many years I have worshipped on this 
ground. Through these groves, and o^'er these prairies 
in pursuit of game, our fathers have roamed, and by 
them this land was left unto us an heritage forever. No 
one is more attached to their home than myself, and no 
one among you is so grieved to leave it. But the time 
is near at hand, when the red men of the forest will 
have to leave the land of their nativity, and find a home 
towards the setting sun. The white man of the east, 
whose numbers are like the sand of the sea, will over- 
run and take possession of this country. They will 
build wigwams and villages all over the land, and their 
domain will extend from sea to sea. In my boyhood 
days I have chased the buffalo across the prairies, and 
hunted elk in the grove ; but where are they now ? 
Long since they have left us ; the near approach of the 
white man has scared them away. The deer and the 



22 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

turkey will go next, and with them, the sons of the 
forest. Resistance to the aggression of the whites is 
useless ; war is wicked and must result in our ruin. 
Therefore let us submit to our fate, return not evil foi* 
evil, as this would offend the Great Spirit and bring 
ruin upon us. The time is near at hand when our race 
will be extinct, and nothing left to show to the world 
that we ever did exist. As for myself I have no re- 
flections for the past, nor have I any misgi^dngs for the 
future ; my race is nigh mn, and soon I will be gathered 
to my fathers. My bones will be laid away in that 
beautiful green knoll, which overlooks the valley of 
Senachwine, and my spirit will go to that happy 
hiinting ground, where my fathers before me have gone. 
Om* white friend (Paine) has been telling us of a Savior 
who died to save the world. Of this Sa^aor I know 
nothing ; but this I do know, the monitor within my 
breast has taught me the will of the Great Spirit, and 
now tells me that good Indians will be rewarded, and 
bad ones punished. My friends do not listen to the words 
of Black Hawk, for he is trying to lead you astray. Do 
not imbrue your hands in human blood ; for such is the 
work of the e\i\ one, and will only bring retribution 
upon your own heads." At the conclusion of Senach- 
wine's speech, the warriors with loud acclamations, 
declared their intention of following his advice, and 
remain at peace with their white neighbors. By this 
speech Black Hawk's cause was ruined, and when 
he found the Pottawatamies would not join his 



SENACHWINES'S DEATH AND BURIAL. 23 

standard he left for liis liome, w^hen the feast broke up. 

senachwine's death and burial. 
About one year after the events above narrated, a> 
Senachwine was returning from a neighboring village 
where he had been spending a few days, as he came 
cantering his pony into his own village, old and young- 
ran out to meet him, and welcome his return. But as 
he raised his hand to address them, he fell to the ground, 
and expired almost instantly. To his people it was like 
the falling of a mighty oak in the stillness of the forest. 
All moui'ued his death as that of a father, for long since 
he had been regarded as the Ijenefactor of their tribe. 
His three wives, with his numerous children and grand 
children, painted their faces black, and accompanied by 
the whole village, with loud wailing, followed his 
remains to its long resting place. According to Senach- 
wine's request, he was buried on tlie bluff overlooking 
the village and valley of Senachwine, and for many 
years afterwards Indians from a distance made an annual 
pilgrimage to the grave of the sainted dead. The fol- 
lowing lines are supposed to represent Senachwine's 
last farewell to his beloved people, as he departed for 
the spirit land : 

Senachwine viUage as weU as the stream, 
Has echoed my name as sounded in my dream ; 
In search of deer across the prairies I have strayed, 
And rested my limbs beneath the cottonwood shade! 
FareweU ye loved haunts, and you, too, each foe. 
My blessing I leave you while sadly I go; 
My body they will liury on yonder green hill. 
My spirit as a guardian shall watch o'er thee still. 
A 



24 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



VISIT TO SENACHWINE S GRAVE, 

In passing down the valley of Senachwine a short 
distance below the county line, a curve in the bluff may 
be seen, and below which is spread out to the view a 
small fertile plain, or bottom prairie, now under a high 
state of cultivation. On this little plain, by the side of 
a small creek, whose rippling waters are heard as they 
glide onward to Senachwine lake, once stood the village 
of Senachwine, High above the plain, overlooking the 
valley and surrounding country, is a beautiful green 
knoll, shaded by a few outspreading oaks, beneath 
whose boughs is still to be seen the grave of Senach- 
wine, 



' He sleeps beneath the spreading shade 

Where woods and wild savannas meet. 
Where sloping hills around have made 
A quiet valley, green and sweet."— Bryant. 



A few years ago, as T stood by the side of Senach- 
wine's grave, while taking a view of the valley and 
surrounding country, I thought how well the old chief's 
prophecy had been fulfilled. The puffing of steam- 
boats on the river, and the rattling of cars on the 
railroad, as well as the fine farms and farm buildings in 
the surroundings, all go to show a different age from 
that in which Senachwine lived. The same bluffs and 
valleys over which he roamed, while in pursuit of game' 



AMERICAN FUR COMPANY. 25 

still remain, and the same stream where he nsed to 
fish continues to rnn as in former days. But not a 
vestige of Senachwine's village remains, noi' is there 
one thing left to mai'k the spot where he lived, or show 
to the world that he or his people ever did exist. 
While these old land marks have all passed away, and 
are almost forgotten, the memory of Senachwine 
remains, and by many held sacred. For it is now quite 
evident that it was through his friendship for the whites, 
and in counseling his people to remain at peace, that 
many of the early settlers of this county owe the pre- 
servation of their lives. 



CHAPTER IL 



AMERICAN FUR COMPANY. 



On the east side of the river, a short distance behjw 
the mouth of Burean creek, was standing in the fall of 
1821, a double log cabin, which belonged to the Amer- 
ican Fur company, and occupied by its agent, Gerdon 
S, IIul)bard,* Close by stood two other cabins, which 
were built by the Fur company. In one of these lived 
Rix Robinson, a Connecticut Yankee, and in the other 
the well known Bulbona, Both of these men had 
married squaws, and raised a large family of half-breed 
children. Some years afterwards, Bulbona established 
a trading house at Bulbona Grove, where he conducted 
business on his oM'n footing, A further account of him 
will be given in a subsequent chapter. Robinson and 
Bulbona were not settlers, but employees of the Fur 



*In 1818 Mr. Hubbard, then a boy of sixteen years of age, came to 
this couatrj'', and was employed as a clerk at this trading post. He 
hunted on Bureau, and traded witli the Indians on Green river, ten 
years before a white person had settled here. Mr. Hubbard was one 
of the Commissioners to locate the canal, and he is now living in 
Cliicago. To him tlie writer is indebted for many of tlie incidents 
related in this story. 



MIKE GIRTY, THE OUTLAW. 27 

company, whose trading posts were tbnnd along tlic 
principal rivers of the northwest. A few years previ- 
ous to the time of which we write, Antoine Deschamps, 
a Frenchman, of Fort Clark (now Peoria), while acting 
as general agent of this company, established trading- 
posts, at short intervals, along the river between St. 
Louis and Chicago. The goods to supply these posts 
were brought up the river in l)ateaux ; and furs, pelts, 
&c., returned in a like manner. At that time there was 
no permanent settlement north of Springfield, and the 
whole northern part of the State was without white 
people, except the trading post above alluded to. 
Gerden S, Hul)l)ard, in conversation with the wi'iter. 
said in passing down -the river from the trading post, 
near the mouth of Bureau creek, he did not see a white 
person, except those engaged in the fur trade, until he 
came within eighteen miles of St. Louis. 



MIKE GIRTY, THE OUTLAW. 

As Mike Girty figures somewhat extensively in our 
story, it may be of interest to the reader to know some- 
thing of his history. Mike is said to have been the 
son of Simon Girty, a well known and notorious outlaw, 
who, in the year 1780, escaped from justice in Western 
Pennsylvania, and found refuge among the Indians in 
( )lii(). Among the Indians Girty exercised great influ- 
ence, and by him they were induced to make war on 



28 REMINISCENCES OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 

the frontier settlements. At different times he led a 
party of warriors against defenceless settlers on the 
Ohio river. Even his former place of residence was 
visited in one of tliese raids, and some of his former 
neighbors carried off prisoners to be burned at the 
stake. Col. Crawtbrd, when a prisoner among the In- 
dians, and bound to a tree, beseeched Grirty to shoot 
him, and thus save him from the torture of the flames. 
But Girty only laughed at his sutferiiigs, and with the 
Indians, danced around their victim, while he was being 
consumed by the flames. Not only Col. Crawford, but 
many others of the early settlers, on the Ohio river, 
fell victims through this outlaw. For many years the 
name of Girty was a terror to. border settlers ; and 
persons are still living, whose parents were sacrificed 
Ijy this white savage. 

Mike Girty, the subject of our sketch, was born of a 
squaw, and his early life was spent among the Indians, 
in the wilds of Ohio. On arriving at manhood, he left 
his Indian friends, for a home among the whites on the 
Muskingum river, near Zanesville. But the influence 
of civilization did not change his savage nature, for 
soon afterwards he committed a cold-blooded murder, 
and fled his country to escape punishment. In the fall 
of 1821, Girty came to this country, and for some time 
afterwards was employed as an interpreter by the agent 
of the Fur company. Soon after coming here he 
married a squaw, and raised a number of sons, one of 
whom the writer met a few years ago in the city of 



THE INDIAN VILLAGE. 29 

"Washing-ton, being there on bnsiness for his tril)e, who 
now live in Western Kansas. Although the name of 
Girty was unknown to the early settlers, yet many of 
them knew him by sight, under a different name, and 
they will recollect depredations committed by him, 
without ever suspecting the author. 



THE INDIAN VILLAGE. 

On the present site of Tiskilwa was located an Indian 
village, called by the natives "Wappe, l:)ut known among 
the whites by the name of Indiantown. This village 
contained some three hundred wigwams, or lodges, and 
at some seasons of the year, about fifteen hundred 
inhabitants. The lodges were constructed of bark or 
reeds, with an opening in the south, and a hole in the 
top, to let out the smoke. Streets, or alleys, were dis- 
regarded, as the lodges were built close together, and 
on both sides of the spring branch, which runs imme- 
diately west of the Tiskilwa house. On a little green 
knoll, by the creek bank, and l)etween the depot and 
Stevens' mill, was located their council house, and by 
the side of which was their dance ground. In the 
bottom prairies above and below the \dllage, was located 
their cornfield. These corn fields consisted of small 
patches, fenced in by driving sticks into the ground, 
and tying on poles w^ith bark or withes to prevent the 
ponies from destroying their crop. In the fall they 



30 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

would gather and dry tlieir corn, and Iniry it in tlie 
caches (caves in the ground), wliere it would be safe for 
future use ; after which a large portion of the Indians 
woidd leave the village, and scatter all over the country, 
some along Bureau timber and Illinois river, others on 
Green river, for the purpose of hunting and procuring 
furs. 

The principal chief of the village was known by the 
name of Autuckee, and the next in authority under him 
was called Meommuse. Both of these chiefs M^ere well 
known to many of the early settlers. Such was the 
condition of things at Wa})pe, or Indiantown, when 
Grirty became one of its inhabitants. Understanding 
well the English language, he acted as interpreter of 
the band in many of their transactions with the Indian 
traders. Foi- a number of ^^ears, Girty tried to gain the 
confidence of the Indians, so that he might become a 
leader among them, the same as his father had been 
among those of Ohio. But in this he did not succeed, 
being regarded by them as a treacherous half-breed, and 
unworthy of their confidence. 



GENERAL CASS IN COUNCIL. 

In the spring of 1827, an effort was made to unite 
the ditierent tribes of the West in a war against the 
whites. The trouble originated among the Winne- 
bagoes, but disaffection had extended to other tribes, 



GENERAL CASS IN COUNCIL. 31 

and they, too, commenced preparing for war. Councils 
were held at diti'erent places, and the smoke of signal 
tires were seen to ascend from ever j village throughout 
the country. In order to pacify them, Gen. Cass, who 
was at that time general Indian agent for the north- 
west, descended the Mississippi river, in a keel boat, 
and ascended the Illinois river, in a bateau, as far as 
the mouth of Bureau creek, at the trading post of the 
American Fur company. Here he remained a few 
days, sending out runners to the Indian villages to 
notity their principal chiefs to meet him in council. 
One of the runners came to Indiantown, and its chiefs, 
with many of its warriors, including Grirty, attended the 
council. This council was held on the river bank, neai- 
the mouth of Crow creek, on the 21st day of June, and 
was attended by a large number of the Pottawatamie 
chiefs. Gen. Cass, in his speech to the chiefs, promised 
them, in behalf of the government, a compliance in fall 
of all their demands, providing they would remain at 
peace. Speeches were also made by many of the chiefs, 
declaring their willingness to give up their alliance 
with the Wimiebagoes, and continue their peaceful 
relations with the government. Pledges of friendship 
were made between the chiefs and Gen. Cass, after 
which he distributed presents among them. At tliis 
council, Girty interpreted the speeches of some of the 
chiefs, and for this service Gen. Cass gave him a silver 
medal, as a token of friendship. This medal, suspended 



32 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

by a buckskin cord around his neck, wat< can-ied by 
Girty until the day of his death. 

Twenty-eight years after this event, the yi-eat Michi- 
gander stated, while in conversation with the writer, 
that the Indian council on the Illinois river, was to hini 
the most agreeable of any that he had held in the west. 
He spoke of Senachwine, Shaubena, Waba, Wabonsie. 
and others. The names of the two former, he said, 
were signed to the great Indian treaty of St. Louis, in 
1816, whereby the Indian title to all the military tract 
was relinquished. Gen. Cass also spoke of the personal 
appearance of Senachwine ; of his fine oratory ; pleas- 
ing address, &c., but said much of his speech was 
lost to him on account of his interpreter having only 
an imperfect knowledge of the Pottawatamie tongue. 
This defect, he said, was remedied in the speeches of 
other chiefs, by having them interpreted by a half- 
breed. 

This half-breed spoken of by Gen. Cass is supposed 
to have been Mike Girty, the outlaw. 



CHAPTER III. 



BUREAU COUNTY IN A STATE OF NATURE. 

At the time our story commences, the territory which 
is now enibi-aced within the limits of Bureau, as well 
as the adjacent counties, was in a state of nature. 
Scarcely a lumse or cultivated field could be seen on 
those western prairies. Roving bands of Indians were 
the occupants of the country, and over which roamed 
undistui-bed by the marks of civilization, herds of deer 
and {»acks of wolves. Different localities throughout 
the country, were only known by streams, groves, or 
points of timber, and these localities were unconnected 
by i\)a(is, save here and there an Indian trail. The 
counti'y, in a state of nature, presented a wild, romantic 
appearance, without a house or field, or any evidence 
of civilization on which the eye could rest. The 
prairies, during the summer, were covered with flowers 
of every hue, presenting a beauty of landscape scenery 
seldom met with at the present day. Here and there 



34 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

were seen groves of timber, which acted as landmarks 
to guide the traveler in his rambles across the great 
savannas of the west. The water in the streams wat* 
clear as crystal, at all seasons of the year ; no plow- 
man had yet broken the sod to muddy their faii- 
current. Almost ever day deer were seen feeding on 
the prairies, and the gobbling of wild turkeys was 
heard in the groves. At night the howling of wolves 
and the shrill notes of the catamount would remind a 
person that he was among the wilds of the west, far 
from the abode of ciWlization. 



PIONEERS. 

Two years before, Henry Thomas, the first settler of 
this county, had built a cabin on the Galena road, and 
on the west side of West Bureau timber. The same 
spring John L. Ament, and brothers, settled at Red 
Oak Grove. A year or two later, Dad Joe, (Joseph 
Smith), settled at Dad Joe Grove; Charles Boyd, at 
Boyd's Grove, and Elijah Epperson a short distance 
north of the present site of Princeton. About this time 
Amos Leonard, Daniel Dimmick, John Hall, and Tim- 
othy Perkins, settled in the east part of the county. 
John M. Gay, Ezekiel Thomas, and Abram Stratton, 
betM'een the Bureaus, and "William Hall at Dimmick's 
Grove, his cabin being located on the present site of 
La Moille. Subsequently, others came in, many of 



PIONEERS, 35 

wlioiu built their cabins in the timber by the side of 
springs. Most of the early settlers were poor, possess- 
ing nothing but their teams and their scanty household 
furniture ; being pioneers, or adventurers, who had left 
the land of their nativity for a home among the savages 
()f the west. For some years they lived in constant 
fear of the Indians, not knowing at what moment they 
would be attacked and murdered by them. In times 
of the greatest danger, some carried their guns with 
them while at work in the field, and would leave their 
cabins at night to sleep in the grove, in order to avoid 
being surprised by savages. At different times the 
settlers were compelled to leave their homes and seek 
refuge in forts, or settlements further south, leaving 
crops to be destroyed, and their horses and cattle to run 
wild on the prairie. Such was the appearance of the 
country at the time our story commences, and such 
were the character of the persons who figure in it. 



RELIGION AMONG THE PIONEERS. 

Many of the pioneers were professors of religion, two 
C)f whom, Elijah Epperson and grandfather Hall, were 
preachers of the gospel. It was common in those days 
for missionaries from different denominations to make 
frequent excursions through the new settlements, hold- 
ing meetings, and establishing societies. But no church 
was as persevering in their efforts, and would carry out 



S6 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

tlieir plans with so much energy, as the Methodist. 
It lias tVequently been said, in regard to the settlements 
of the west, as soon as a squatter builds a cabin in any 
of the unsettled groves, the next day he was sure to be 
called upon by a Methodist preacher, in search of a 
place to hold meetings. And it was not uncommon in 
tliose days for them to have appointments forty or fifty 
miles apart, traveling back and forth on horseback, and 
carrying in their saddle-bags a pocket bible, hymn book, 
and a change of linen. These pioneer ministers preached 
ti'ee salvation, almost without money and without price. 
At their own expense, they traveled from settlement to 
settlement, proclaiming the gospel to all those who 
were willing to hear. Sometimes on foot, at other 
times on horseback, they traveled through a thinly 
settled country, frequently swimming streams, sleeping 
in the open air, and suffering from cold and hunger, at 
a time when a paid ministry could not be sustained. 
Among the Methodist ministers of note in those days, 
were the Revs. Jesse Walker, John St. Clair, Rufus 
Lumery, Stephen R. Begg, William Royal and A. E. 
Phelps. These men possessed talent and energy, and 
did much in shaping the destiny of the church in 
Northern Illinois. Their lives, too, were models of 
piety and energy, worthy of imitation at the present 
day. 



CHAPTER IV. 



REV. JAMES SAMPLE PREACHING TO SINNERS. 

There was a man by the name of James Sample, 
who preached a number of times in Hall's settlement, 
and was known by many of the early settlers. He was 
a yonng man of preposessing appearance, being tall and 
slim, with a pleasing countenance, and good address ; 
[>ut in intellect and education he was sadly deficient. 
His sermons had no connection with his text, but con- 
sisted of a disconnected exhortation, which was always 
delivered on a high key; holloing at the top of his 
voice, and clapping his hands and stamping his feet in a 
furious manner. He would always take his stand by the 
side of a door, or window, and commence his sermon on 
a low key ; but as he advanced, he would become en- 
thusiastic, retreating backwards, always in bad order, 
into one corner of the room, among the pots and 
kettles; and on one occasion he upset the dinner-p(»t, 
to the great annoyance of the lady of the house. 



38 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

Sample was not a regular ordained minister, Ijut was 
uperating on his own footing, and, according to his own 
statement, he was especially called by the Almighty to 
reprove sinners of the errors of their ways, and warn 
them to flee from the wrath to come. Sample lived on 
the east side of the Illinois river, and as there was no 
ferry in those days, it became necessary for him to 
swim his horse across it, to meet his appointments. In 
all his sermons, he wonld alhide to the fact of his having 
risked his life, by swimming the river, in order to warn 
sinners of the errors of their ways, and point out to 
them the way of salvation. Meetings were held at the 
house of John Hall, and were attended by almost every 
person in the settlement. Everybody was captivated 
with the preaching of Young Sample ; his earnest 
manner of presenting the subject, would frequently 
cause the women to shout, and the men to respond by 
loud acclamations of joy. 



THE PARSON TURNS HORSE JOCKEY. 

Mr. Hall had a beautiful horse, which he had brought 
with him from the east, and on account of his good 
qualities, many had tried in vain to buy him. Sample 
had noticed this horse on his first visit to Hall's, and as 
the sequel shows, he thought more of cheating him out 
of the horse than he did about the conversion of 
sinners. Sample tried various plans to get possession 



THE PARSON TURNS HORSE JOCKEY. 39 

of this horse, but all to no purpose. ' Notwithstanding 
Hall was a great admirer of brother Sample, believing 
him to be a model of righteousness and piety, and was 
willing to serve him in almost every way, with the 
exception of parting with his favorite horse. Sample, 
to accomplish his ends, thought it best to use a little 
strategy, and thereby approach Hall in an unguarded 
moment. In his travels he bought, for a mere trifle, 
an old, broken-down, worthless horse, but which was at 
the time fat and sleek, being put in order for the pur- 
pose of cheating some person. This horse he brought 
over to Hall's at his next appointment to preach, saying 
that he had bought him of brother Aaron Paine, at an 
exhorbitant price, and would warrant him sound in 
every particular. Although Hall was a shrewd man, 
and a good judge of a horse, the great confidence which 
he had in Sample's integrity threw him off his guard, 
and he exchanged his favorite horse for the worthless 
one. But on the next day he discovered the cheat, as 
the horse proved to be both balky, blind and spavined, 
besides being; afflicted with almost everv malady 
that horse flesh is heir to. Hall was in a terrible rage 
when lie discovered the cheat, denouncing the minister 
as an impostor, and a rascal — saying that this trans- 
action showed to him the depravity of human nature, 
and had almost destroyed his confidence in the honesty 
of mankind. In quoting scripture on this point, he 
referred to a passage applicable to this case. Solomon 

in his wisdom has said "There is one honest woman 
c 



40 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

among a thousand, but an honest man cannot be found 
in all the multitude of Israel." Sanii^le preached no 
more in the Hall settlement, and his ti-umpet voice, in 
warning sinners to repent, and i\ee the wrath to come, 
was never airain heard on the west side of the I'iver. 



JOB MAY, THE HUNTER, AND HIS BEAUTIF^UL DAUGHTER. 

On the river blufts, above the mouth of Bureau creek, 
lived a man by tlie name of Job May, who was well 
known by some of the eai-ly settlers. May was an 
easy, good-natured fellow, disliking work, but liad a 
great fondness foi' hunting. Each morning, [Rip Van 
"Winkle like], he would take his rifle, and accompanied 
by his dog, cross the river in a canoe, and spend the 
day iu hunting tlii'ough the bottom or along Bureau 
creek. Mrs. May, his wife, was an intelligent, high- 
spirited woman, and used every means in her power to 
make her home comfortable, notwitlistanding the shift- 
lessness of her husband. Their eldest daughter, Lucy, 
was at this time about sixteen years of age, a girl of 
remarkable beauty and intelligence. She w as tall and 
graceful in her movements, with fair skin, and finely 
moulded features, while her long black hair hung in 
ringlets over her shoulders, giving to her a queenly 
appearance. Lucy was regarded the belle of the settle- 
ment, and she had many suitors, all of whom she treated 
with indifference. The Rev. Mr. Sample, in his 
ministerial excui-sions, made the acquaintance of Lucy 



JOB MAY THE HUNTER. 41 

May, and as a matter of course, fell in love with her. 
Mounted as he was on a fine horse, the one he cheated 
Hall out of, and his tall manly form set off in a new 
suit of clothes, he was not long in captivating the heart 
of the young maiden. Sample's visits to May's house 
were of frequent occurrence, and these visits were much 
appreciated by the mother and daughter, l)ut May 
himself did not approve of them. Being an unbeliever 
in the Christian religion, and taking but little stock in 
preachers, he tried to prevent his daughter receiving 
the addresses of Sample. But Mrs. May, being the 
head of the family, doing all the thinking for herself 
and husband, would have things her own way. Matters 
continued in this wise for some months. May, dressed 
in his suit of buckskin and his coon cap, with the tail 
hanging down behind, (looking for all the world like 
Davy Crockett), would each day take his gun and dog 
for a hunt in the woods ; sometimes bringing home a 
deer or wild turkey as the result of his labor. Mrs. 
May and daughter would apply themseh-es to house- 
hold duties, in providing food and raiment for the 
family, and was always certain to have everything in 
tine order to receive the Rev. Mr. Sample at the time 
of his weekly visits. 

May's cabin was built on the side of the river bluff, 
the site of which was partly made by an excavation 
into the bank, so that the roof on the upper side was 
elevated but little above the ground. The tire-place 
was about six feet wide, composed of eai*thern-jams. 



42 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

The c'hiiniiey, equally large, built of inud and sticks, 
did not extend above the ground, never having been 
topped out, so that the cabin looked more like a bank 
stable than a dwelling. On one of Sample's visits to 
May's house, he introduced the subject of religion, and 
proposed to have prayers in the family ; but May was 
in a bad humor, having that day met with poor success 
in hunting, and said to Sample, until he returned Hall's 
horse, his prayers would not be acceptable. After the 
family had retired for the night, all sleeping in one 
room, as there was but one apartment in the house, 
Sample and Lucy sat chatting before the open fire, 
which had now burned down to a few coals, when an 
incident occurred which startled the lovers, awoke the 
family, and frightened the household almost out of 
their senses. 



THE MISFORTUNE OF OLD BLIND BOB. 

Some time before, a neighbor had given May's boys 
an old blind horse, which was worn out and worthless. 
The little boys were nmch pleased with their present, 
and during the summer months they would ride old 
blind Bob after the cows. But winter was now coming 
on, and the grass getting bad, old Bob had become poor 
and weak, and wliile searching around the house for 
something to satisfy his hunger, pitched headlong down 
the chimney into the fire. The old horse, on landing 
in the fire-place, commenced snorting and floundering 



MI8F0KTTJNE OF OLD BLIND BOB. 48 

about at a terrible rate, throwing the hot ashes and 
coals all over the room. The women screamed with 
all their might, the children cried, and all of May's 
doubts about there being a devil were now removed, 
for here he M'as, sure enough. Old Bob soon extricated 
himself from the coals and hot ashes, and with his hair 
badly singed on one shoulder, was led limping out of 
the door. A short time after the adventure of old blind 
Bob, Sample and Lucy were married, and their honey- 
moon had scarcely passed away, when they met with a 
tragical end, an account of which will be given in a 
subsequent chapter. 



CHAPTER V. 



THOMAS HARTZELL, THE INDIAW TRADER. 

In the fall of 1828, ThoinaB Hartzell, an Indian 
trader from Pennsylvania, came to this country, and 
built a trading house on the river bank, a short distance 
below that of the Fur Company. In this house was 
held the first County Commissioner's session, as well as 
the Circuit Court of Putnam county. Mr. Hartzell 
was a very successful trader ; being popular with the 
Indians, he extended his trade into other localities. He 
built a trading house at Devil's G-rove, and one at 
Trading House Grove, which were conducted by agents, 
and by his energy he took a large share of trade away 
from the Fur Company. There being no ferry at that 
time, goods were taken across the river in a canoe, 
while the horses were made to swim across. When on 
the west side of the river, the goods were loaded on the 
horses backs to be carried to their destination, and the 
furs and skins returned in like manner. Mr, Hartzell, 
by his trade, accumulated a large fortune, and on retiring 



INDIAN CONSPIRACY. 45 

from business, he moved to Waukegaii, where he died 
a few years ago, at an advanced age. 



CONSPIKACY TO MURDER THE SETTLERS. 

In the year 1831, Amos Leonard built a cabin, and 
alsc» a mill, on the creek, a few miles below Indiantown, 
and about the same time Michael Kitterman made a 
claim, where he now" lives, bnilt a cabin, and occupied 
it with his family. Robert Clark, with a large family 
of children, occupied a cabin on Bureau bottom, three 
miles above the Indian village. The same year Dave 
Jones, who afterwards became notorious, both among 
the whites and Indians, built a cabin on the present site 
of Tiskilwa, and close to the Indian village. With the 
three former settlers, the Indians lived in perfect 
harmony, but between them and the latter a bad feeling 
existed. Jones liked whisky, and hated Indians, and 
he was not backward in making his likes and dislikes 
known. He had brought with liim into the country a 
breechy yoke of cattle, which were in the habit of 
breaking into the Indians' cornfields. Although their 
pole fences were sufficient to keep out their ponies, it 
was no barrier to Jones' breechy cattle. Girty was one 
of the sufferers from the depredations of Jones' cattle, 
and therefore went to work to be avenged. Jones and 
Girty met one day at Hartzell's trading house, and the 
former being under the influence of whisky, was de- 
termined to fight. Jones struck Girty with his fist, 



46 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

and in return, Girty knocked Jones down with the 
breech of his gun, making a severe wound on his head, 
and leaving him for dead. Girty's enmity was not only 
against Jones, but against all the settlers, whom he 
regarded as trespassers on Indians' rights, and, in 
accordance with his savage nature, believed it his duty 
to rid the country of them. He was joined in his mur- 
derous designs by twenty warriors, who were as depraved 
as himself. With them he entered into a conspiracy to 
murder all the whites within their reach, and thus rid 
tlie neighborhood of intruders. Their plan was to go 
to each house in the dead hour of the night, kill all the 
inmates, allowing none to escape to give the alarm, and 
then set the house on fire. To carry out their plans 
successfully, Girty visited each house of his intended 
victims, under the pretext of selling some skins ; but 
his real object was to examine the doors of the cabins 
and means of defense. Most of the settlers were un- 
prepared to make any defense, having only a clapboard 
door to their cabins, and in some instances a bed-quilt 
supplied its place. But at the cabin of Elijah Epperson 
he found things very different. By the side of the house 
he saw heavy split puncheons for the purpose of bar- 
ricadino; the door at niii;ht, and on the inside of the 
cabin, hanging on pegs drove into the wall, were three 
or four rifles, and about the premises were as many 
young men capable of using them. Seeing these 
preparations for resistance caused Girty to leave the 
Epperson family out of his list of intended victims, and 



CONSPIRATORS DISCOVERED. 47 

as he was a great cowai-d himself, nothing could induce 
him to hazard his own life. The murderers were very 
sly in maturing their plans, not letting any other 
Indians know anything about them. Their intentions 
were to kill the tamilies, and make people believe that 
the murders had been committed by a Ijand of Sacs 
and Foxes, from Rock Island, who had been threat- 
ening a raid on the settlers. The time had come, and 
everything w^as ready for the attack. The warriors, 
armed with their rifles, tomahawks, and scalping knives, 
were only waiting for the settlers to retire for the night, 
when they would commence their work of horror. But 
an incident occurred which defeated their plans, and 
thereby saved the lives of their intended victims. 



THE MURDERERS DETECTED, AND THE LIVES OF THE 
SETTLERS SAVED. 

On the night in question, Thomas Hartzell, on re- 
turning from the Winnebago swamps with four horses 
loaded with skins, stopped at the village to transact 
some business, after which he continued on his journey 
homewards. In company with Hartzell, was a young 
half-breed, by tlie name of ITolday, who had been for 
some time in his employ. This young half-breed had 
a sweetheart in the village, and called to see her as he 
passed through, and in conversation told her that they 
did not intend to go home that night, owing to the 
difficulty of swimming their horses across the ri\'er 



48 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

after dark, as it was then about sundown, but should 
stay all night at the cabin of Amos Leonard, which 
was on their way. It so happened that the father of 
Holday's sweetheart was one of Girty's conspirators ; 
and a short time after Hartzell and the young half-breed 
had left, she overheard him in conversation with others 
of the gang, talking about killing the settlers. Knowing 
tliat Hartzell and her lover must fall victims to their 
savage barbarity, the young s(juaw ran with all haste 
to the principal chief, Autuckee, and told him. what 
she had heard. Autuckee had no sympathy with the 
settlers, regarding them as intruders, and would like to 
have their throats cut, but knowing that the rash acts 
of Girty and his followers would only bring vengeance 
on himself and friends, thought it best to prevent it. 
He collected a number of his faithful warriors, and 
with them went to Girty's lodge, where they found him 
prepared for war, his face painted, and his tomahawk 
and scalping knife secured in his belt. Girty, finding 
himself betrayed, did not deny his murderous intentions, 
but justified himself on the ground that the welfare of 
the Indians required the expulsion of the settlers. The 
chief, Autuckee, gave orders for Girty and two of his 
companions in crime to be bound hand and foot, and 
kept in confinement for two moons. Thus the expe- 
dition was broken up, and thereby the lives of the 
settlers saved. 



CHAPTER VI. 



AN OLD LAND MARK. 



Everybody has noticed the little round gro\e, south 
of the Princeton Court House, where Mrs, Cyrus 
Bryant now resides. This beautiful little grove, occu- 
pying, as it does, a slight eminence, and isolated froni 
the main timber, was a noted land mark in the early 
settlement of the county, being everywhere known as 
Round Point. The fine rolling prairie, lying to the 
north and east, at that time unobstructed by houses and 
farms, presented a beauty of landscape scenery seldom 
met with in any other section of the coimtry. By the 
side of Round Point once passed an Indian trail, which 
had been traveled for ages by warriors and hunters ; and 
the first wagon track ever made on the Princeton prairie 
led to it. In 1831, when the settlers on Bureau were 
fleeing from the country to escape the tomahawk and 
scalping knife of the savages, they halted at Round 
Point, and sent two of their number to confer with 
Shaubena in relation to remaining longer at their homes. 



50 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

There is a history connected with this little grove, 
which may not be without interest to the reader, and 
tlierefore will be given, without note or comment. In 
the spring of 1830, a man from Ohio, by tlie name of 
Henry Simmons, came to this country in search of a 
home. He stopped for a few days with Timothy Perkins, 
who lived in Leeperto\vn ; and accompanied by Leonard 
Roth, he made a nujiiber of excursions along Bureau 
timber in search of a claim. Many localities were 
examined, but none of which pleased him so well as 
Round Point. Although there was but one family 
living in Princeton township, (that of Mr. Epperson), 
many claims were taken — the claimant cutting the 
initials of his name on the witness-tree, at the section 
or lialf mile corner. This was considered a preliminary 
step, and by common consent among the settlers, it 
would secure the right of the claimant to the land, 
until such time as a cabin could be built. There were 
many claims made in this way for the purpose of 
speculation, and witli the expectation of selling them 
to new comers. A man having a number of sons 
would make claims for all of them, and sometimes for 
sons in prospect, or for some imaginary friend, who 
was expected to come soon into the country. From 
this cause, bad feelings among neighbors frequently 
occurred, some of which were settled by arbitration. 
It w^as a common saying in those days, that Adam 
Paine, who lived east of Hennepin, had claimed all the 



MURDER OF SIMMONS. 51 

land between the Illinois and Wabash rivers, and Elijah 
Epperson all between the Illinois and Mississippi. 



MURDERING OF SIMMONS. 

Simmons made claims in the grove for himself and 
all his sons, and to make his intentions known to others 
in search of claims, he en t the initials of his name, '* H. 
S.," deep into the wood of a witness-tree, at the sonth 
west corner of the sonth east quarter of section tw^enty, 
which initials, I believe, are still to be seen. Simmons 
had spent some days in looking after corners, marking 
witness-trees, and had taken formal possession, (for 
himself and sons), of all the timber and adjoining 
])rairie between Princeton and Deacon Reeve's. After 
spending some time in exploring the country, Simmons 
made arrangements to return home by the way of 
Peoria ; and early in the morning he bade farewell to 
Perkins' family, mounted his horse and left, going by 
the way of his claim to make some further discovery ; 
and while alone in the grove, west of the present resi- 
dence of Mr. Douglas, unconscious of danger, the report 
of a rifle was heard, and he fell lifeless to the ground, 
pierced to the heart by a rifle ball. Nothing was known 
of the murder at the time, and the sudden disappearance 
of Simmons attracted but little attention, as it was 
thought he had returned to his home in Ohio. Weeks 
and months passed away, and Simmons did not return 
with his family to take possession of his claim, as w^as 



02 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

expected, until the affair was almost forgotten, and 
other parties had taken his claim. On the day of tlie 
murder, Mike Girty was hunting in the grove, and 
seeing Simmons alone and unarmed, shot him for his 
money, clothes, and horse. After killing Simmons, 
Girty took off all his clothes, and left the body where 
it fell, unburied, to be devoured by wolves. Girty 
arrayed himself in the murdered man's clothes, and 
mounting on his horse, returned to his home at the 
Indian village. His squaw, seeing him dressed in the 
clothes of a w^liite man, and mounted on a fine horse, 
knew at once that a murder had been committed. She 
commenced crying, and refused to receive him into her 
lodge. But, on Girty showing her silver coin, which 
he had taken from the murdered man, with which he 
promised to buy her ear-rings and other trinkets, she 
became reconciled to his conduct. His comrades in the 
village, knowing that he had committed a murder, 
would shrug their shoulders as he passed them, saying. 
" Bad Injun." 

Girty was wearing Simmons's clothes, and riding his 
horse, at the time we introduce him at the commence- 
meut of our story. Five years after Simmons was 
murdered, a skull was found in the woods near where 
he was killed, and this skull came into the liands of 
Di'. Wm. O. Chamberlain, who always supposed it to 
be that of an Indian. For many years afterwards, the 
doctor kept this skull laying on a shelf in his office, and 
probably some who read this account will recollect 



THE DISPUTED CLAIM. 58 

seeing it. Mr. Siinnioiis, not returning home at a 
proper time, his friends were alarmed at his long 
absence, and his brother came west in search of him ; 
but nothing was known of the missing man, after 
lea\'ing Perkins' house, and his tate to them was 
nn known. 



THE DISPUTED CLAIM. 

Although poor Simmons never retm-ned to make 
good his claim to Round Point, such a desirable location 
was not long without a claimant, and the sequel shows 
its possession was a matter of controversy for a number 
of years afterward. Shortly after the murder of Sim- 
mons, Curtis "Williams made a claim here, and cut the 
initials of his name, " C. W.," on the witness-tree, at 
the south west corner of section sixteen, which was to 
be seen for many years afterwards. Time passed on. 
and Williams made no improvements on his claim, and 
it was reported that he was holding other claims, for 
the sake of speculation. These facts coming to the 
knowledge of Michael Kitterman, who was also capti- 
vated with the beauty of Round Point, he "jumped" 
Williams's claim. At that time Mr. Kitterman w^as 
working for John Hall, at nine dollars per month, and 
unwilling to lose any time in his engagements with 
Hall, occupied Sundays in improving his claim. Each 
Sabbath he would take his axe, with his horse, harness 



54 EEMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

and chain, go over to his claim, eight miles distant, cut 
and haul a few logs, and put them into the building, 
until he had raised the walls of a cabin as high as a 
person's head. One day, Williams, on looking after 
his claim, was surprised to find a cabin commenced on 
the south side of the little round grove, and he notified 
Kitterman that he was trespassing on his rights. In 
order to avoid trouble, Mr. Kitterman abandoned his 
improvements, and made a claim on Bureau bottom, 
where he now lives. 

Two years after Kitterman had abandoned his claim 
to Round Point, Cyrus Bryant selected it for his future 
home. With the permission of Kitterman, whom he 
considered the proper claimant, he took possession of 
of it, and completed the cabin which had been com- 
menced. While at work on the cabin, Williams gave 
him notice of his prior claim, but Mr. Bryant paid no 
attention to it. When the cabin was completed, Mr. 
Bryant was much surprised one morning, on returning 
from Roland Moseley's, his boarding place, to find that 
Mr. Williams, with his large family, had moved into it. 
Beds and clothing, tied up in quilts, were lying in one 
corner of the cabin, while pots and kettles occupied 
another corner ; but not one chair or stool could be seen. 
Mr. Williams met Mr. Bryant at the cabin door, 
appearing glad to see him, and invited him in to take a 
seat; but Mr. Bryant, not seeing anything to set on, 
and not feeling in a very good humor, did not set down. 



THE DISPUTED CLAIM. 55 

The case was arbitrated, and Williams was allowed 
twenty-five dollars for his claim. On receiving the 
money, he moved out of the cabin, and thereby gave 
up possession of the long disputed claim. 



CHAPTER VII. 



A SEARCH FOR A LEAD MINE. 



In passing over the road between Mr. Penclleton't^ 
and Stevens' mill, the traveler will notice near the top 
of the bliifi' a circnlar embankment, wliieh resembles 
an ancient earth foitification. Many persons have 
noticed this embankment, and many have been their 
conjectnres concerning its origin. Instead of its being 
a relic of antiqnity, the work of monnd builders, as a 
contribntor to one of the Chicago papers sometime ago 
would have ns believe, it was done at the time of the 
earlv settlement of this conntv, and nnder the following- 
circumstances : 

In the first settlement of this county, a report was 
cui-rent among the settlers, that a lead mine existed 
somewhere on Bui-eau, and from which the Indians 
ctbtained their supply of lead. But when the "whites 
came here, they covei'ed up the mine, secreting all 
traces of it, so that it should not fall into their hands. 
These rumors, con)ing to the ears of John Hall, Amos 




MK 11 AET. KITTKRM AX. 



WONDERFUL REVELATION. 59 

Leonard, Timothy Perkins, and otliers, they oi'i^anized 
tlieniselves into a mining company, and set about 
investigating it. On the snl> ject of lead mi ne discovery, 
they became mnch excited, and for the time being 
everything else was laid aside. Indians were applied 
to, and rewards offered them for information on tliis 
point, but all to no purpose. Some time previous, 
John Hall gave a party of Indians five bushels of 
potatoes to show him the lead mine. Hall, with two 
hired men, dug three days, at the place pointed out, 
but found no lead: consequently he lost his labor, as 
well as his potatoes. On account of the impending- 
war, the Indians suddenly disappeared from Bureau ; 
and after their departure, our friends of the mining 
company examined their village. Math its surroundings, 
for the hidden mine, but without success. Amos 
Leonard professed to be a water witch, and he applied 
liis magic power in searching for lead. Different places 
were found where the forked stick would turn in his 
hand, but on sinking a shaft at these places, no lead 
mine was found. 

PATRICK o'lEAR AND HIS WONDERFUL REVELATION. 

At the time of the lead mine excitement, a jolly, red 
faced, and red headed Irishman, by the name of Pati-ick 
O'Lear, came into the settlement in search of his 
fortune. There were no canals or railroads building in 
those days, and Pat found work in his line very scarce. 



60 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

Working on a farm, at low wages, slow pay, and without 
whisky, was regarded by him poor business, and he 
longed for something favoring his fortune to turn up. 
At that time the lead mine excitement was at its 
height, and Pat thought of many plans how he might 
turn it to his own account. But all of his plans were 
more or less objectionable. At last he caught a bright 
idea, and slapping his hands on his thighs, he exclaimed : 
"Be jabers, me fortune is made. ' A meeting of the 
mining company was called, and Pat laid before them 
his revelation, in the following words : "A few nights 
ago, while laying on me back, fast asleep, I thought 
what a poor miserable critter I was, far ti-om home and 
friends, and Mathout one cent in me pocket. And 
while in a trance, I prayed to the Holy Virgin, for the 
love of St. Patrick to assist me for this one time. And 
in me dream a still small voice whispered in me ear, 
saying, arise, as soon as it is light, and go to Oshaw, an 
Indian, whose wigwam stands on the bank of the creek, 
near the village council house, and he will reveal unto 
thee great things. Next morning, after taking a wee 
drap of the critter, I went to Oshaw's wigwam, as 
directed in me dream, and he said to me that he and his 
people were about to leave the counthry, perhaps never 
to return, and the Great Spirit had impressed it on his 
mind to make a contidant of me." He continued, "If 
I would give him the bottle of Mdiasky which I had in 
me coat tail pocket, he would tell me all about the lead 
mine. You know, yer honors, it was a trying ordeal 



WONDERFUL REVELATION. 61 

for me to part wid me best friend, but for the love of 
me counthry, and the advancement of your interest, 
jintlemen, I made this great sacrifice, by giving up me 
whasky. Oshaw then took me into the woods to show 
me the mine, but before he w^ould point out the spot, 
he made me sware upon me honor, tliat I would not 
let the bloody barbarians, (meaning the settlers), know 
where it was." 

The mining company believed Pat's revelation, or at 
least that part of it in relation to his knowledge of the 
lead mine, and they offered to take him in as a partner, 
giving him a large percentage of all the profits from the 
sale of lead. Pat said he did not M-ant to be bothered 
with a lead mine, as he was going back to Ireland as 
soon as he could obtain money enough; but if they 
would give him ten dollars in hand, pay him wages 
each night for his labor, with all the whisky he could 
di-ink, he would point out the mine and commence 
work immediately. Pat's tei'ms were acceded to, and 
the next day a number of hands commenced work. 
Whisky was brought there in a keg, and some of the 
operatives, including Pat O'Lear, Mike Leonard, and 
Dave Jones, would get beastly drunk every day. Shaft 
after shaft was sunk, and the vein of lead was not 
struck. Pat would scratch his head, at every failure, 
saying that he had made a slight mistake in his reck- 
oning, and commence a new one, extending around in 
a circular fonn as we now see it. While the mining 



62 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

Operation was progressing finely, an incident occurred 
which put a stop to the work, broke up the company, 
and from that day forward all hope of finding lead on 
Burean was abandoned. 



FALSE ALARM AND FLIGHT OF THE SETTLERS. 

One day while Mike Leonard was hnnting deer on 
East Bureau, near where Mr. Fox now lives, he con- 
cocted a plan to frighten the settlers, by raising a false 
alarm. Taking off his hat, he put it up for a mark, and 
shot two ball holes through it. He then run with all 
haste, out of breath, and much excited, to the house of 
Mr. Hall, saying that he had been attacked by a large 
body of Indians; many shots were fired at him, and he 
l)arely escaped with his life. To confirm this statement, 
he exhibited his hat with two ball holes through it. 
This affair created a great panic among the settlers. 
People were seen running hither and thither, conveying 
the news from cabin to cabin. Women, with children 
in their arms, were running to and fro, crying at the 
top of their voice, and beseeching every one they met 
to save then fro:n the tonihawk of the savages. 
Within one hour from giving the alarm, every person 
in the neighborhood had left for Hennepin : some on 
foot, others on horseback, all of whom were going at 
the top of their speed, expecting every moment to be 
overtaken and muniered bv the Indians. 



KILLED, SCALPED, AND ALIVE AGAIN. 63 



PAT O LEAR KILLED AND SCALPED, BUT COMES TO LIFE 
AGAIN— ESCAPE OF DAVE JONES AND FAMILY. 

While tlie miners were liaving a jolly time of it, 
between digging, smoking, and drinking whisky, uncon- 
scious of danger, Amos Leonard's oldest son, Eli, a lad 
of fifteen years of age, come running, much excited, 
with tears flowing down his cheeks, and said the country 
was full of hostile Indians; that his uncle Mike had 
four rifle balls shot through his head ; the families of 
John Hall, William Hoskins, and others, were mur- 
dered ; and while on the way he saw a large body of 
Indians coming in the direction of the lead mine. On 
the reception of this news, the miners dropped their 
spades, and fled for their lives. As Pat O'Lear crawled 
out of the pit where he was at work, he exclaimed : 
" Be jabers, if the bloody savages take off me scalp, me 
mother won't know her darling son when he goes back 
to Ireland." Although Pat at the time was quite drunk, 
the thoughts of losing his scalp put new life in liim, 
and at the top of his speed he started for Hennepin. 
As he ran down the bluff, and through the thick timber 
bottom, he saw, (in his imagination), an Indian behind 
every tree. He also heard the report of the rifles, as 
they shot at him, and felt the balls at each shot pass 
through his body. At last, overcome by wounds and 
loss of blood, he fell down dead, while at the same time 



64 EEMINISOENCES OF BUREA.U COUNTY. 

lie felt the Indian's big knife grit against his skull bone 
as the scalp was being taken off. For some time Pat 
lay there, believing himself dead and scalped, having 
sacrificed his life, while advancing the interests of the 
mining company. But when the effects of the whisky 
and the fright passed off, Pat came to life again, and 
putting his hand on his bushy red locks, was surprised 
to find that his scalp was not gone ; and not being able 
to find any holes in his body where rifle balls had 
entered, he was convinced that he was not killed, and 
started again on a run for Hennepin. 

Dave Jones was working at the mine when news 
came that Hall's and Hoskins' families were massacred. 
Dropping his spade, he ran for his cabin. His family, 
without hat or bonnet, left on foot for Hennepin, Mrs. 
Jones, with the children, running at the top of their 
speed, while Jones followed after, with the youngest 
child in his arms, cursing the red skins at every jump. 



PANIC SUBSIDES, AND SETTLERS RETURN TO THEIR 
HOMES. 

When the settlers were safely landed on the east side 
of the river, they began to investigate the cause of 
alarm. A committee was appointed to examine Leon- 
ard's hat, and it was found that the ball holes were too 
low down, and could not have passed through the hat 
while wearing, without passing through the head also. 
All came to the conclusion that Leonard had shot his 



THE PANIC SUBSIDES. 65 

own hat, and therefore the alarm was a false one. On 
the next day the settlers returned to their respective 
homes, with loud denunciations against Leonard for 
causing them so much trouble. 

Pat O'Lear did not fully recover from his fright, 
appearing wild and confused, believing that the Indians 
were still after him. In his flight he had left his hat 
and coat at the lead mine, but nothing could induce him 
to go after them ; not even the keg of whisky which 
was left behind could tempt him to cross the river 
again. With a knapsack on his back, he left next day 
for the east, swearing that he would stay no longer in a 
country that was full of bloody savages. 



CHAPTER VIII. 



THE GREAT INDIAN COUNCIL. 



Ill February, 1832, were collected at Indiantown, a 
large number of chiefs, belonging to the surrounding 
ti-ibes ; among them were Black Hawk, Waba, Shau- 
bena, and the great Winnebago chief, known as the 
Prophet.* Previous to this meeting, runners had been 
sent to all the principal villages throughout the "West, 
notifying their chiefs to meet in council. This meeting- 
was held in the village council house, and its delibera- 
tions lasted three days. The object of this council was 
to effect a union of the different tribes, for the purpose 
of war. Black Hawk, and the Prophet, made long 



* This chief lived at Prophetstown, on Rock river, and is said to have 
exercised great influence over his people, dictating for them in spiritual 
as well as temporal matters. Leonard Roth saw the Prophet at Indian- 
town during the deliberations of the council, and describes him as 
follows : " He Avas a large Indian, in the prime of life, tall and straight, 
with a broad face, eagle-like eyes, and long coarse hair, which was 
black as a raven. He was dressed in white buckskin, fringed at the 
seams, and ruffled at the waist. His head dress was also made of white 
buckskin, raising high above his head, and on the top of which was a 
bunch of eagle feathers. Around his ancles he wore small wreaths of 
bells, and in his no.se and ears were large gold rings." 



THE GREAT INDIAN COUNCIL. 67 

speeches in favor of this union, explaining to the Pot- 
ta^A'atanlie chiefs that their only means of retaining their 
homes and hunting grounds, was by a union of all tlie 
tribes of the "West, and therein^ carry on a war of 
extermination ao-ainst the settlers. All the Sacs and 
Foxes, and Winnebagoes favored this union, but the 
Pottawatamies opposed it. Waubonsie* was the only 
chief of note among the Pottawatamies in tavoi' of 
war. He had a village near the mouth of Fox river, 
but was compelled to leave it a short time before, on 
account of encroachment of the whites ; and himself 
and band found a home at Paw Paw Grove. In his 
speech, he called on his Ijrother chiefs to raise their 
tomahawks to drive back the intruders, and maintain 
their rights. 

But little did the settlers on Bureau tliink as they 
set at night around their cabin fires, that these savages 
were debating among themselves the propriety of cut- 
ting their throats, as well as those of their little ones. 

Although Senachwine, the great apostle of peace, 
was now in his grave, there was one left to fill his 
place. This was Shaubena, the wliite man's friend. 
Shaubena was not a great oi*ator, but the earnest 
manner of his appeals more than counterbalanced the 



* Waubonsie was a large, fleshy Indian, over six feet in height, and 
was well known by many of the early settlers. He and his band of 
followers remained at Paw Paw Grove until the fall of 1836, and then 
went west of the Mississippi, where most of their tribe had previously 
gone. In the summer of 1836, Waubonsie came to Princeton, and 
bought of AlcCayga Triplett a beautiful spotted horse, for which he paid 
three hundred dollars in silver, all of which was in twenty -five cent 
pieces. 



68 KEMINISCENCE8 OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

elo(iiience of others, A few years after the holding of 
this council, Shaubena said to the writer, if he had 
favored this union, the whole PottaM^atamie nation, 
from the lake to the Mississippi, would have taken 
part in the war. Waba, Autuckee, Meomniuse, and 
other Pottawatamie chiefs took part with Shaubena, in 
opposing the war. 

During the deliberations of the council, an Indian 
was sitting on the ground in the back part of the coun- 
cil room, listening to the speeches of the Potta- 
watamie chiefs, his teeth occasionally gritting, and his 
face black with rage. This Indian was Mike Girty, the 
outlaw. Not being a chief, he had no right to speak in 
council, but overpowered by rage, he sprang to his 
feet, and waving his tomahawk over his head, he 
denounced the Pottawatamie chiefs as cowards and 
squaws, and unfit to represent their tribe in council. 
Antuckee raised his tomahawk, and was about to strike 
Girty dead on the spot, but was prevented from doing 
so by the interference of others. Through the influence 
of the Sacs, and Foxes, and Winnebago chiefs, Girty 
was allowed to make a speech. In this speech he 
proposed to head a party of warriors, and attack the 
settlers on Bureau, as soon the Sacs and Foxes had 
crossed the Mississippi. But his proposition Inet with 
no favor from the Pottawatamie chiefs, they regarding 
liim as a treaclierous half-breed, and unworthy of their 
confidence, Girty, seeing that he would receive no 
support from his tribe, raised the war whoop, and left 



THE INDIANS LEAVE BUREATJ. 69 

the council. Tlie uniting of the different tribes proved 
a faihire, and the council broke up, when the chiefs 
returned to their respective homes. 



THE INDIANS LEAVE BUKEAIT. 

About the first of May, 1832, Black Hawk, with his 
warriors, accompanied by their families, crossed the 
Mississippi, and commenced ascending Rock river. 
The squaws and papooses were in canoes, and the 
warriors, mounted on ponies, followed along the banks 
of the river. At Prophetstown they were joined by 
the great "Winnebago chief, known as the Prophet, with 
his band of warriors. Here they remained two days, 
to hold a feast and a war dance. From here, runners 
were sent to the different bands to induce them to join 
Black Hawk's standard. Two of these runners, one of 
whom was a son of Black Hawk, came to Bureau, to 
notify the Pottawatamies that hostilities were about to 
commence, and also to induce them to take part in the 
war. At that time, Shaubena, Math his band of fol- 
lowers, was encamped on Corss run, east of the 
Doolittle farm, near where the road now crosses that 
branch. Mr. Doolittle was, at that time, engaged in 
building his cabin, and some of the Indians came and 
assisted him in handling the logs. Next day two 
strange Indians, who proved to be emissaries from Black 
Hawk, with painted faces, and wearing a peculiar head 
dress, were seen in camp. There appeared to be great 



70 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

excitement in Shaiibena's camp, and the Indians broke 
up their encampment, caught tlieir ponies, and left in 
•rreat haste. The next day signal fires were seen lighted 
all over the county, and in every grove where Indians 
were encamped, the smoke of these fires were seen to 
ascend. The settlers noticed these signals, and became 
much alarmed. Some of them left the country imme- 
diately, without further warning. Others remained 
some days longer, l)ut were on the alert to avoid being 
surprised by the savages. At different places Indians 
were seen skulking around people's houses, with their 
faces painted red, a token of war. These Indians 
appeared shy, unfriendly, and unwilling to hold com- 
munications with the whites. A party of warriors 
came to the cabins of Eli and Elijah Smith, in the 
absence of the men, and their conduct was such as to 
frighten the women. They went into the house, took 
down the guns to examine their locks, as well as the 
doors of the cabins, and other things about the premises. 
They also sharpened their knives and tomahawks on 
the grindstone, with tlie intention, no doubt, of using 
them in murdering the settlers. Many Indians were 
seen riding at full speed across the prairie, conveying 
the news from one to another ; and within two days 
from that time not a red skin could be seen in the 
Bureau settlement. 

INDIANS AT THE GRAVES OF THEIR FATHERS. 

When the Indians on Bureau were notified bv 



INDIANS AT THE GRAVES OF THEIR FATHERS. 71 

runners from Black Hawk's band, that hostilities were 
about to commence, they were greatly alarmed, knowing 
tliat their lives would be endangered bv remainino- 
longer in the country, and they prepared for a hasty 
departure. At their village, where Tiskilwa now stands, 
about seven hundred had collected, to deliberate on the 
means of making- their tinal exit. After making: the 
necessary preparations, the Indians en masse, old and 
young, repaired to their village burying ground, to pay 
their respects to the gi-aves of departed loved ones. 

Indians everywhere are attached to their homes, the 
land of their nativity ; and it was with feelings of regi'et 
that they gave up their coiiifields and hunting grounds : 
but there is another place still more sacred to them, and 
from which they departed with sorrowful hearts. Tiiis 
was the graves of their fathers. 

On the bottom prairie, a short distance below Tiskilwa . 
is an oblong knoll, which overlooks the valley, and 
presents a fine view of the surroundings. This knoll 
had been the village burying ground for many genera- 
tions. Here were bui-ied their prophets and great 
warriors, as well as their fair maidens, and of their graves 
the Indians were about to take their last farewell. The 
ceremonies connected with this affair, is described by 
an eye witness, (Amos Leonard) as being very solemn. 
The faces of all the Indians, old and young, were painted 
black, an emblem of mourning, and the young squaws 
had pf>wdered their hair, making it white as snow, in 



72 REMINISCENCES OF BUREA.U COUNTY. 

representation of their purity. In the midst of the 
group was seen the tall form of Autuckee, the principal 
chief of the village. On the head of this chief was a 
crown of turkey feathers, and from his neck was 
suspended an Indian drum. At the tap of this drum, 
all the Indians fell on their knees, while the chief with 
uplifted hands, and eyes rolled back in their sockets, 
prayed to the Great Spirit, for the preservation of the 
l)ones of departed friends. For some time the Indians 
remainded on their knees chanting, while the squaws 
stood by beating their breast with their hands, weeping 
and wailing with loud acclamations of grief for departed 
loved ones. Again the chief tapped his drum, when 
the Indians sprang to their feet, and commenced singing 
a song to the dead. This song was sung on a low plain- 
tive key, and sounded like a funeral dirge ; while thus 
engaged, the squaws with baskets of flowers, which had 
l)een gathered for the occasion, strewed them over the 
graves. After the conclusion of these exercises, the 
Indians again returned to their village. One of their 
number, an old man of more than four score years, 
refused to leave the graves, saying: "Here he my 
fatlier, my squaw, and my papooses, all that was near 
and dear unto me ; no one is now left to love or care 
for me, and my blood no longer runs in the veins of 
any human being." Over the graves of his departed 
friends, the old man's form was bent, and here he wished 
to die: no persuasion could induce him to leave this 



INDIANS AT THE GRAVES OF THEIR FATHERS. 78 

8pot, and by force alone he was taken away, and placed 
on a pony, to be carried westward ^^'itli the rest of the 
band. 

At the village, the Indians loaded their ponies with 
(^anip equipage, preparatory to their departure. On 
some of the ponies were placed willow baskets, filled 
with papooses, and these ponies were turned loose, 
without bridle or halter, to folloM' the procession. The 
riquaws rode astride of their ponies, many of whom 
carried an infant on their back, placed in a pocket in 
their blanket, with its head sticking out. Eveiything 
being ready, the procession started for the west, when 
old and young joined in singing their farewell song. 



CHAPTER IX. 



DAD JOE. 



At Dad Joe Grove lived Joseph Smith, who was 
generally known by the name of Dad Joe. For many 
years he had been a pioneer, living at different places 
among the Indians, and was well acquainted with their 
customs and habits. In advance of the settlement, Dad 
Joe had lived at Peoria, Rock Island, and at the lead 
mines, near Galena ; and two years before the time of 
which we write, had settled at the grove for the purpose 
of entertaining travelers. 

Dad Joe was a thick, heavy-set man, of great physical 
povi^er, and was always clothed in loose garments, with 
a rope or leather girdle about his loins. He had a 
heavy bass voice, and in common conversation spoke 
so loud as to cause strangers to look at him with 
astonishment. His remarkable personal appearance, 
peculiar manners, and his lion-like voice, gave him 
great notoriety, and there was but few people in those 
davs, living in Illinois, who liad not heard of Dad Joe. 



FRIGHTENED BY THE INDIANS. 75 

He was kind and benevolent, almost to a fault : and he 
is prol^ablj the only man who lived and died in Bureau 
county without ever havinii' an enemv. 



FRIGHTENED BY THE INDIANS. 

About two miles west of Dad Joe's residence, and at 
the east end of Red Oak Grove, lived a man bv the 
name of James Magby, who had a wife and a large 
family of children. Besides these two families, there 
was no one living within twelve miles. One day while 
Mr. Magby's two daughters were on the ])rairie engaged 
in gathering flowers, they saw a large body of Indians 
approaching them, and believing that they were about 
to l)e murdered, fled with all haste to the residence of 
Dad Joe. On arriving at the house, they stated that 
the Indians had killed their mother, brothers and sisters. 
(Mr. Magby being absent at the time). This announce- 
ment created a great panic in Dad Joe's family, as they 
too expected to be attacked within a few minutes. Dad 
,b»e, whose courage never foi-sook him, made a hasty 
l)rc])arati(>n to protect himself and family from the 
tomahawks and scalping knives of the savages. 
Although at that time Dad Joe was laid u]) with a Linic 
liack. through the excitement of the moment, he sprang 
from his couch, caught his rifle, which hung on ])egs 
above the door, and prepared himself to give the Indians 
a warm reception. 

Young Joe, a lad of fifteen years of age. moimted 



76 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

his horse and started foi- Bureau, to notify the settlers 
i)f their danger. In his haste to be off, he forgot to let 
down the barn yard bars, and urging his horse forward 
to make him jump them, lie fell, throwing the rider 
over his head. Joe again mounted his horse, and put 
him at the top of his speed for Bureau settlement. 

This affair turned out to be a false alarm. The In- 
dians, (about three hundred in number), Avere Potta- 
watamies, from Bureau, and were on their way to a 
country west of the Mississippi. When the Indians 
saw the frightened condition of Magby's family, they 
did not stop at the grove, but continued on their way 
westward. 

A few days after this Indian fright, Dad Joe sent his 
family off to a place of safety, while himself and son. 
(Young Joe), remained on the farm in order to put in 
a crop. Each day they carried their guns with them 
while at work in the field, and they also kept their 
saddles close at hand, so they could mount their horses 
at a moment's notice. For many days they saw no one. 
as travelino; throuo-h the country was now at an end. 
The great Galena road, that passed by the house, over 
which formerly had ran a daily mail coach, as well as 
crowds of people passing to and from the lead mines, 
was now deserted ; no traveler v;onld risk his life 
in passing through a country then thought t<:) be full of 
hostile savages. 

INDIANS APPROACHING THE GROVE. 

One dav while Dad Joe and son were at woi'k in the 



INDIANS APPRNACHING THE GROVE. / < 

field, they saw on the prairie, in the direction of East 
Grove, abont t?ixty Indians approaching them. These 
Indians were armed with guns, were mounted on ponies, 
and their laces painted red — a sign of war. On seeing 
the Indians, Dad Joe and son gathered up their rifles, 
mounted their horses, and fled southward. But as the 
Indians did not discover them, they returned to a higli 
piece of ground, where they could watch their move- 
ments, and also be ready to flee if pursued. The 
Indians went to the house, but finding no one there, 
they helped themselves to what they wished to eat, and 
carried away with them such articles as they could use. 
They also took with them four young pups, which they 
no doubt intended to roast for their supper. After 
leaving the house, the Indians discovered Dad Joe and 
his son on the prairie, and started towards them ; but 
prudence required that the enemy should be kept at a 
proper distance, and they retired as the Indians ap- 
proached. At last one of the Indians dismounted ti'om 
his pony, and laying down his gun and tomahawk, 
approached them for the purpose of holding conversa- 
tion. But as he came nigh to where they were standing, 
seeing the determined appearance of Dad Joe, wlio 
stood with a rifle in his hand, the Indian's courage failed 
him, and he turned pale and stopped; but on being 
addressed by Dad Joe in a friendly manner, he took 
courage, and came forward to offer his hand. 

This Indian wished to know if any army had gone 
north, and if it was the intention of the whites to fight 



78 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

tlieui. Dad Joe, in reply, said no army had passed 
that way, and he had not seen a person for twelve days. 
The Indian said they did not wish to fight, but if 
attacked by the whites, they would carry the war into 
the settlement, and tomahawk every woman and child 
they could find. By the Indian's dress and language, 
Dad Joe recognized him as one of Black Hawk's band, 
having liv^ed at Rock Island among them a few years 
before. While living there, one of these Indians 
(being exasperated on account of the whites settling on 
their land, and also being under the influence of liquor), 
tomahawked Dad Joe's wife, and she was only saved 
from instant death by Young Joe, then a lad of twelve 
years of age, riding his horse on the Indian. These 
things, coming fresh to Dad Joe's mind, he felt like 
taking revenge on this Indian. He said afterwards to 
the writer, that he was tempted to shoot him on the 
spot, and trust to the fleetness of their horses to make 
their escape. 



THE LONE TRAVELER. 

The night after their adventure with the Indians, 
Dad Joe and son, as usual, had bari-icaded the door of 
their house with puncheons, and with loaded guns by 
their side, they retired to the attic to sleep. They had 
l)een asleep but a short time, when they were awakened 
by a person holloing and rapping at the door, asking 
admittance. Dad Joe suspected that it was an Indian 



THE LONE TRAVELER. 79 

in disguise, and had taken this plan to gain admittance 
to the house, so that he and his comrades could murdei- 
the inmates. The man at the door said he was a 
traveler, and wished entertainment only. After a long 
parley, Dad Joe said he would open the door, but if 
betrayed, his life should pay the forfeit, as he would 
shoot him down on the spot. He removed the bari'i. 
cades, and opened the door with one hand, while in the 
other he held his trusty rifle ready for use if betrayed. 
The man at the door proved to be a lone traveler from 
the lead mines, and on his way home at the south. 
Being mounted on a fleet horse, and armed with a large 
holster pistol, he had undertaken the hazardous task of 
passing through a country which was thought to be full 
of hostile savages. 

APPROACH OF STILLMAN's ARMY. 

On the 12th of May, Stillman's army, consisting of 
about seven hundred mounted rangers, mostly from the 
southern part of the State, arrived at Dad Joe Grove. 
The troops made no halt here, but continued on their 
way to Dixon's ferry. Tlie baggage train, consisting of 
six wagons drawn by oxen, remained at the grove over 
night. This train was guarded by fifty mounted rangere, 
under the command of Captain Hackleton. In this 
company of rangers, was a young man from Sangamon 
county, that every one called Abe. He was tall aiul 
slim, with long black hair, heavy eyelashes, and whose 



80 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY, 

general appearance was awkward and nnprepossessing, 
but his witticism, as well as liis peculiar gift in telling 
stories, kept his comrades all the while in a state of 
merriment. This young man was ,a private in Hackle- 
ton's company, but before the close of the war he rose 
to be a captain, and thirty years afterwards he became 
President of the United States. His name was Al )raham 
Lincoln, The wagons, belonging to the baggage train, 
were left in the edge of the grove, and the oxen, with 
hells on them, turned out on the prairie to feed. 
About midnight, the bells were heard to ring, and a 
party of rangers went in pursuit of the oxen. Between 
Dad Joe and East Grove, they overtook a party of 
Indians, driving off the oxen ; and on coming up with 
them, they fled in great haste, by putting their ponies 
at full speed. The night being dark and rainy, the 
rangers did not pursue them, l)ut returned to camp with 
the stolen cattle. Means were used to guard against a 
surprise, as they were now in an enemy's country, and 
liable to be attacked at any moment. Rumors were 
afloat that a large body of Indians were seen that 
afternoon in the direction of the Winnel^ago swamps. 
Picket guards were established around the encampment, 
and the men ordered to sleep on their arms. The 
liorses were tied to trees by the camp, so they could be 
mounted at a moment's notice. 

THE CAMP ATTACKED — A .JOKE OF CAPTAIN HACKLETON. 

Captain Hackleton was a man fond of fun, alwavs 



THE CAMP ATTACKED. 81 

enjoying a good joke, and lie now fell upon a plan of 
having some sport at other's expense. He also wished 
to test the courage of his men, and thereby ascertain 
wliethei' or not they were reliable in case of emergency. 
He made his plans known to the guards, and a few 
friends, and immediately went to work to execute them. 
About an hour before day, the plans being all matured, 
a number of men went back in the grove, and raised 
the Indian war whoop, and at the same time the picket 
guards fired off their guns. Captain Hackleton, and 
others who were in the plot, called on the men as they 
were sleeping in their blankets, to flee for their lives, 
as they were attacked by over one thousand Indians. 
Nothing could exceed the panic among the troops. 
Some prayed, others swore, but all sprang for their 
horses, with the intention of fleeing for their lives. 

The surgeon of the company, who for many years 
after the war was well known in this community as a 
skillful physician, mounted his horse, but in his haste 
forgot to untie him from the tree ; under the spur the 
horse sprang forward the length of the rope, then back 
again, bringing the doctor's head against the limb of a 
tree. The doctor, believing himself struck by an 
Indian war club or tomahawk, abandoned all hopes of 
escape, and at the top of his voice he sang out: "Mr. 
Injun, I surrender, spare my life." 

Next morning Dad Joe and son left with the troops, 
for Dixon's ferry, and returned to the grove no more 
until the war was over. 

H 



CHAPTER X. 



COMMENCEMENT OF HOSTILITIES. 

The Indians had now left Bureau tor other localities, 
some going to Chicago to claim government protection, 
others west of the Mississippi, while a few joined Black 
Hawk's band, and fought against the whites. Among 
those who fled to Rock river, to join the hostile Indians, 
was Mike Girty, the outlaw. His principal object in 
doing so was to avenge himself on the settlers, for some 
imaginarv injury ; two of whom, John Hall and John 
L. Ament, he told a short time before that he intended 
to kill them as soon as the oak leaves became as large 
as a squirrel's ear, having, no doubt, reference to the 
l^reaking out of the war. On the 14th of May, Still- 
man's army was defeated at Old Man's creek, after 
which Black Hawk sent out war parties all over the 
country, from the lake to the Mississippi. Occupying 
with their gueiTilla bands many of the principal groves, 
waylaying thoroughfares, and skulking around the 
frontier settlements. 



THE SETTLERS WARNED OF THEIR DANGER. 83 

Next day after Stillman's defeat, Girty, at the head 
of about seventy warriors, left for Bureau settlement, 
witli the intention of murdering the settlers. The first 
house they came to was that of Daniel Dimmick, at 
Dinimick's Grove, but found that their intended 
victims had fled. The Indians continued their way 
down the timber until they came to the cabins of John 
L. Anient and Elijah Phillips, and were much surprised 
to find them gone also. Ament and family had only 
left a few hours before, and the fire on the hearth was 
still burning. The Indians next visited the cabins of 
Elijah and Eli Smith, and that of Mr. Epperson, but 
with no better success. Crossing the Main Bureau, 
they went to the Thomas settlement, but found it 
deserted likewise. The Indians were much disa])- 
pointed by their ill success, as it was now OAddent that 
the settlers had left the country, and their expedition 
must prove a failure, without being graced by a single 
scalp. By a spring in the edge of the timber where 
Oscar Knox now lives, the Indians made their encamp- 
ment, hobbled and turned out their horses to graze. 
Here they remained two days, sending out spies i7i 
various directions in search of victims. 



THE SETTLERS WARNED OF THEIR DANGER. 

It was a warm bright day, on the 16th of May, 1832 : 
the sun was shining in all its brilliancy, without a cloud 
in the sky. The prairies were now green with early 



84 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

Spring grass, intermixed with blue bells, and other Mar 
flowers of various hues. The forest trees were in full 
leaf, and the bahny air was made fragrant by the blos- 
soms of the plum and crab apple. All nature appeared 
clothed in her beautiful garment, and everything in the 
surroundings was calculated to fill the pioneer's heart 
with bright prospects for the future. The settlers along 
Bureau timber were busy with their crops, plowing, 
sowing and planting, unconscious of immediate danger 
from their red foe. While thus engaged, a lone Indian 
was seen cantering his pony across the Princeton prairie, 
in a southwestern direction. He was without gun or 
blanket, and from his uncovered head, locks of long 
hair were streaming in the wind. His jet black pony 
was white with foam, and from its extended nostrils 
came forth loud puffs of breath. This lone Indian was 
Shaubena, the white man's friend, and he was now on 
an errand of mercy. 

Two day's before, Stillman's army had been defeated 
on Old Man's creek, and a band of hostile Indians were 
then on their way, as the secpiel shows, to Bureau 
settlement, for the purpose of murdering its inhabitants. 
Shaubena, being unwilling to trust this important mes- 
sage in the hands of others, mounted his pony and rode 
with all haste to warn the settlers of their danger. He 
gave notice to Daniel DImmick, John L. Ament, Dr. 
N. Chamberlain, and others, after which he left with 
his pony, still on a canter, for Indian creek settlement, 
giving warning likewise to the ])eople of that region. 



1 

FLIGHT OF THE SETTLERS. 88 

"When tlie settlers on Bureau were notified that 
hostilities had commenced, there was a ii^reat ])anic 
among them. People were seen riding on a gallop 
across the prairie, conveying the tidings from cabin to 
cabin, and within a few hours not a soul was left in 
Bureau settlement. It was well they left in haste, for. 
as the sequel shows, a few hours of detention Avould in 
all probability have proved fatal to many of them. 
Some of the settlers went off on foot, others on horse- 
back or in wagons, while a few left on sleds, drawn by 
ox teams. Some going to Hennepin, others to Peoria 
or Springfield, while others left the country never to 
return. Squire Dimmick, who lived at Dimmick's 
Grove, on being warned of his danger by Shaubena. 
said he would not leave until he had planted his corn : 
that he had left the year before, and it proved to be a 
false alarm, and he believed that it would be so this 
time. To which Shaubena replied : " If you will remain 
at home, send <^fP your scpiaw and papooses, or they 
will be murdered before the rising of to-morrow,s sun." 

Shaubena had now moimted his pony, and was about 
to leave, when he raised his hand high above his head, 
exclaiming, in a loud voice : ^^ Auhaw puchegee.''' The 
meaning of which is, "You must leave;" and Shau- 
bena's pony was again on the gallop to notify othei's. 
When Dimmick noticed the earnest manner in Avliicli 
Shaubena addressed him, he changed his uiind, un- 
hitched the horses from the plow, put his family into 
his wagon, and within two hours left his claim, never 



88 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

a^in to return to it. John L. Anient was planting 
corn when he received the tidings, caught his horses, 
wliich were feeding on the prairie, placed his wife on 
one, and mounting the other himself, with his son 
Thomas, then an infant, in his arms, in this way they 
started for McLean county. After going about two 
miles from their home, they discovered on the prairie, 
what they supposed to be, a band of Indians approaching 
them. Believing tlieir only means of safety was in 
flight, they put their horses at the top of their speed. 
In their flight, Ament's hat flew off", and with his hair 
streaming in the wind, they urged forward their horses 
under the whip. On arriving at Joel Doolittle's cabin, 
the matter was explained ; the supposed Indians proved 
to be a party of rangers, who had come over from 
Hennepin to look after the settlers. Without a hat, 
but with a handkerchief tied around his head, Ament 
continued on his way to McLean county. The settlers 
in the bend of the timber, southeast of Princeton, 
which was known at that time as the Moseley neigh- 
borhood, fled across the Illinois river, and sought 
protection in diiferent places. 

Henry Thomas was with Stillman's army when it 
was defeated, and many of the volunteers slain in the 
fight. The Indians pursued the troops nine miles from 
the battle-field, overtaking and killing many on the 
way. Mr. Thomas, being mounted on a fleet horse, 
soon outstripped the Indian ponies, but one of his 
companions in the flight was not so fortunate. In 



B'LIGHT OF THE SETTLERS. 89 

crossing a branch, his horse stuck fast in the niud, 
throwing the rider over his head, and before he coukl 
mount his horse again, the Indians came up and toma- 
liawked him. Mr. Thomas continued tlie flight, making 
no halt until he reached home, a distan(te of fifty- two 
miles. 

On the same day that Shaubena gave warning to the 
settlers, Henry Thomas returned home from the scene 
of horror, and all prepared to leave the country forth- 
with. In the West Bureau settlement there were four 
families, namely: Henry and Ezekiel Tliumas, Al)ram 
Stratton, and John M. Gay. Among these four families 
there was only one wagon in running condition; some 
put their children, with a few h(.)Usehold goods, on 
sleds, which were drawn by oxen, and by dark that 
same night they were on their road southward. Eli 
and Elijah Sniith took a large box, containing carpenter 
tools and other valuables, into the woods, hiding it in a 
thick cluster of hazel brush, and then fled in all haste 
toM'ard Peoria. Mr. Epperson's family left about the 
same time, and they fell in with the fugitives from "West 
Bureau near the present site of Providence. About 
midnight, as the ox teams were slowly dragging the 
sleds along on the grass, and the men and women 
walking by their sides, looking after their children who 
were sleeping on blankets or quilts, unconscious of 
danger, when all of a sudden behind them were heai-d 
the clattering of horses' feet, and the Indian war whoop 
ounded through the still night air. The women 



yO BEMINISCESrCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

screamed, and the men sprang for their guns, but 
instead of it being, as they supposed, the deadly foe, it 
was Pete Bulbona and another half-breed, who only 
thought of frightening them. 

Mr. Epperson and John M. Gay, walking ahead uf 
the teams, came to Boyd's Grove about sun up next 
morning, and having their blankets wrapped around 
them, they were mistaken for Indians. Nat, the 
youngest boy, on seeing them was much frightened, and 
ran into the house, exclaiming : '" Good jemmeny, here 
are two Injuns." Mr. Boyd picked up his rifle, and 
was prepared to shoot, wdien they threw back tlieir 
blankets, showing themselves to be white men. 



LIEUT. JONES WONDERFUL ACCOUNT OF STILLMAN S 
DEFEAT, 

When the Bureau settlers arrived at Peoria, it created 
a great panic among the people, as tlieir flight had left 
them on the frontier ; and to make the matter worse, a 
rumor was in circulation that a large body of Indians 
were seen that afternoon going southward, with the 
intention, no doubt, of attacking the place. That 
evening a tall, raw-boned Kentuckian, a resident of 
Tazewell county, calling himself Lieut. Jones, arrived at 
Peoria. Jones had been with Stillmau's army when it 
was defeated, and in the flight became separated from 
his companions, lost his reckoning, and had wandered 
about for three davs, without sesino: a livino; soul. He 



JONEs' ACCOUNT OF STILLMAn's DEFEAT, 91 

l)elieved that ull of Stilhiian's army were slain, and lie 

aloue left to tell the sad story. Lieut. Jones had an 

Indian scalp tied to his left arm, which he swung to 

and fro in order that the bystanders should appreciate 

his bravery. Jones being surrounded by a crowd of 

listeners, in a boasting manner, gave the following 

account of Stillnian's defeat : Said he, "" While our 

army was encamped on Old Man's creek, Black Hawk, 

with some twenty thousand wan-iors, came marching 

down in solid column, like Wellington's army at the 

battle of Waterloo, and at once attacked us on three 

sides. Our troops fought bravely, but soon they were 

overpowered, and all slain. Major Stillman, Major Hack- 

leton, Col. Stephenson, and myself, with other officers 

of high rank, were engaged in leading the troops 

forward to charge the enemy, but almost within a 

twinkling of an eye, these brave officers, with all the 

troops under their command, were slain ; and I found 

myself alone on the field of battle, surrounded by large 

heaps of dead bodies. At a distance I saw a body of 

troops who appeared in good order, not having suffered 

much from the ravages of battle, so I hastened to join 

them, with the intention of putting myself at their 

head, and avenge the death of my brave comrades. 

But as I drew nigh, I discovered that these gentlemen 

wore no hats, and tlieir faces were painted red ; so I 

inferred from that circumstance that they were thi 

friends of mine. Soon rifle balls commenced buzzing 

about my ears, each one as it passed seemed to whis]>er 
I 



92 KEMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

ill my ear, saying, in language that I well understood, 

'Stranger, you had better get out of here,' So I 

wheeled my horse about, and throwing my head on his 

withers, I broke for tall timber, followed by some fiA-e 

hundred Indians, flourisliing their tomahawks over their 

heads, and yelling like demons. The race continued 

for many miles, across j)rairie and through timber, when 

all of the Indians, except one, were left far l)ehind. 

This one, who was a great war chief, mounted on a fleet 

pony, came up by my side, and as he was about to 

tomahawk me, I shot him dead ; and here, gentlemen, 

is his scalp," at the the same time raising his arm to 

exhibit his trophy. " Out of that brave army under 

Stillman, that marched north a few days ago in defense 

of their country, I alone am left to tell the sad story." 

Jones' story, although highly colored, was believed 

by many, and the panic among the people increased. 

On the bank of the river, a short distance above the 

ferry, stood an old dilapidated block house, surrounded 

by barricades, and called by courtesy, "Fort Clark." 

Into this fort, both citizens and strangers went, so they 

would be protected, should the town be attacked during 

the night. Owing to the crowded condition of the fort, 

Eli and Elijah Smith, with their wives, took lodging in 

the bushes close by. During the night they thought 

of their exposed situation, in case the Indians should 

come, and concluded to go to the fort. As they 

approached the fort, some of its inmates mistook them 

for Indians, and raised an alarm. The matter, however. 

was soon explained, when all went to sleep again, to 

dream of Lieut. Jones' wonderful adventure. 



CHAPTER XL 



REV. JAMES SAMPLE AND WIFE. 

Soon after the marriage of the Rev. James Sample 
to Lucy May, as narrated in a previous chapter, and 
before the honeymoon was over, he concluded to go 
further west to seek his fortune, on the banks of the 
Father of Waters. At tliat time, there Avas no wagon 
road between the Illinois and Mississippi rivers ; the 
Indian trail, over which people passed, was only acces- 
sible for foot and horseback travelers. Everything 
being prepared for their journey, Sample and his young 
wife left for the west, each mounted on a horse, while 
on the third one was packed all of their household 
goods. Sample settled near Rock Island, and built a 
cabin on the site of the old Indian village. Everything 
went off smoothly during the winter, but in the spring 
the war cry was raised, and people were alarmed at the 
situation of things. Rumors were in circulation that 
the Sacs and Foxes were about to cross the river, and 
take possession of their old village. People were not 



94 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

long kept in suspense, for on a briglit morning in the 
latter part of April, it was discovered that the river 
was fnll of Indian canoes, and the water was darkened 
by their ponies swimming the stream. The return of 
the Indians created a great panic among the settlers, 
all of whom left their cabins, and took refuge in Fort 
Armstrong, which was situated on the Island. The 
Indians did not molest any one, nor take possession of 
their old village, as was expected, but continued their 
wav up Rock river, with their squaws and papooses in 
canoes, while the warri(irs, mounted on ponies, followed 
along the banks. 

Sample and wife had been in the fort a few weeks, 
when they concluded to leave it, and return to their 
friends east of the Illinois river. Having heard of no 
Indian depredations, it was tluynght perfectly safe to 
make the journey. Accordingly they disposed of all 
their effects, except two horses, and on them they left 
Rock Island. 

It was a bright, clear day, on the 18th of May, when 
Sample and his wife left Rock Island for Hennepin, a 
distance of about seventy miles. Being mounted on 
fine, spirited horses, which were full of mettle, and as 
they cantered proudly across the prairie, the tourists 
expected to reach Bureau settlement befoi-e dark. The 
road traveled by them waa the Sac and Fox trail, whicli 
extended from Lake Michigan to Rock Island, and was 
at that time a great thoroughfare from east to west, 
being traveled both by whites and Indians. For affes 



REV. JAMES SAMPLE AND M'IFE. 95 

tliis trail lia<l been the great liiglnvav for Indiaijs from 
east to west. Over it Blac-k Hawk, with his warriors, 
passed to join the Bi-itish foj-ces in Canada, at the time 
<:>f the late war with England; and for twenty years 
afterward they made annnal tri]3s over it, to i-eeeive 
annnities from the British government in Canada. 
This trail passed throngh Bnrean eonnty, almost in an 
east and west direction — crossing Coal creek imme- 
diately north of Sheffield, Main Bnrean east of Dr. 
Woodrnff's, ]')assiTig near Maiden and Arlington, in the 
direction of Chicago, In some places on high prairie, 
the trail was worn down from one to two feet l)elow 
tlie snrfiice. and its conrse can still he traced thri^ngh 
many of the farms of this county, althongh thirty -five 
years have now passed away since it ceased to be used. 
There was no settlement along this trail l)etween the 
Mississippi river and Bureau, which made it necessary 
to perform the journey in one day. 

It was about sundown when the travelers arrived at 
the residence of Henry Thomas, where they intended 
to stay over night, but unfortunately they found the 
house deserted, and the doors and windows barricaded 
with heavy [umcheons. Again they mounted their 
horses to pursue their journey, with the intention, no 
doul)t, of spending the night at Smith's cabin, which 
was east of Bureau creek. Soon after leaving Thomas", 
night came on, and with it a terrible rain storm, and in 
the darkness they lost the trail, and were unable to 
find it ai2:ain. l)ut thev continued eastward until thev 



96 REMINISCENCES OF BTJEEAU COUNTY, 

came to Main Bureau, wliicli they found so high as to 
make it hazardous to cross in the dark. They had now 
rode about sixty miles, were tired and liungry, their 
clothes wet, and the rain still continued to pour down 
in torrents. But here they were compelled to spend 
the night, without one dry spot to lay their heads. 
Tying their horses to a tree, and taking their saddles for 
])illows, they laid down to rest until morning. After a 
long, dreary night, morning came, and with it a bright 
sun and clear sky, but the creek was still high, not 
being fordable. This obstacle must be overcome, so 
they selected a place where the banks were favorable, 
swam their horses across, and continued their journey. 
On the top of the bluff, by the side of the trail, 
stood, at that time, a double log cal>in, which belonged 
to Eli and Elijah Smith. Here the travelers intended 
to rest, dry their clothes, and have something to eat. 
But they found the cabins deserted, the families having 
fled from their homes the day before. On leaving the 
trail here, and going south one mile, brought them to 
Epperson's cabin, which they also found deserted. The 
premises were searched for somethiiig to eat, as well as 
feed for tlieii' starving horses, but without success. It 
was with heavy hearts that our travelers again mounted 
their horses to continue their journey, being fatigued, 
hungry, and their clothes still wet from the drenching 
rain, as well as from swimming the creek. But on 
reaching the prairie, the beauty of landscape scenery 
wliich was there presented, dispelled their gloomy 



THEIR FLIGHT AND CAPTURE. 97 

feelings. The prairie was now covered with earlv 
spring grass, intermixed with flowers of various hues, 
the forest trees were in full leaf, and the air was made 
fragrant with the blossoms of wild fruit. Birds were 
singing among the l^ranches of the trees ; around them 
were sporting meadow larks, M'ith their musical notes, 
while on the distant prairie was heard the crowing of 
]-)rairie chickens. This enchanting scenery of the sur- 
roundings, had a good effect on the travelers, and their 
despondent spirits were now revived. Over sixty miles 
of their journey had already been made, and a few 
hours more would terminate it. Their jaded horses 
were slowly plodding their way across the prairie, and 
over the very spot where the city of Princeton now 
stands. The travelers, unconscious of danger, were 
talking of the perils of the past night, and the happy 
termination of their journey, when they would be 
embraced by kind friends. When all of a sudden they 
heard a noise behind them, and on looking back, they 
saw some twenty Indians pursuing them at full speed. 



THEIR FLIGHT AND CAPTDRE. 

While Sample and wife were at Epperson's cabin, an 
Indian, who was on the lookout, saw them, and imme- 
diately gave notice to his comrades, who started in 
pursuit. The Indians approached quietly without 
heing discovered, until almost within gun shot of tlie 
travelers, when they raised the war whoop, and put their 



98 REMINISCENCES OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 

piuiies on a u-allu|). Sample was riding the liort>e 
whic-li iie iiad of Joliu Hall, and his wife was 
uKtuntcd on one e<[nally spry, but owing to the 
jaded condition of these animals, the Indians came 
within a few yaitls of them before they were brought 
to a gallo}). Many shots were fired at the fugitives, 
one of ^vhich slightly wounded Sample, and his wife 
was also wounded l)y a tomahawk thrown l:>y one of 
the Indians. The horses, on getting their mettle 
up, went off' at great speed, lea\ang the Indian 
ponies far behind ; but the Indians continued the 
chase, urging their ponies forward under the whip, 
and yelling at the top of their voice. The fugitiveB 
had so far outstripped theii" pursuers that tliey 
regarded their escape as almost certain ; but an accident 
occurred which blasted their fond hopes, and caused 
them to fall into the hands of the savages. As they 
approached tiie timber, Mrs, Sample's horse, while 
crossing a small branch, stuck fast in the mud, floundered 
and fell, throwing the rider over its head, Mr, Sample, 
at the time, being so far ahead of the Indians, he 
could have made good his escape, but unwilling to leave 
his wife to her fate, returned, and thereby sacrificed his 
own life. While Sample was assisting his wife to 
remount her horse, the Indians, with deafening yells, 
came up witli them. Knowing that escape was now 
out of the (piestion, Sample only thought of selling 
his own life as dear as possible, and drawing forth a 
pistol, shot oTie of the Indians dead on the spot. The 



EXECUTIOH. 99 

Indians bound their victims with strong cords, put 
them on their own horses, and carried them back to 
camp. 

On arriving at camp, the warriors held a council over 
their prisoners, and it was decided, in order to avenge 
their dead comrade, they should be burned at the 
stake. Sample was well acquainted with Girty, having 
met him a number of times on Bureau, while on his 
ministerial excursions, and offered him all he possessed 
as a ransom for the life of himself and wife. But all 
to no purpose, nothing but revenge could satisfy this 
blood-thirsty savage. 

THE EXECUTION. 

A few rods south of what is now known as the Knox 
graveyard, stood, thirty years ago, an old burr oak tree, 
isolated from other forest trees, and around which was 
a beautiful grass plot. Some of the early settlers had 
noticed this tree, and probably still recollect it, as it 
was burned at the root, as though a camp fire had been 
built against it. To this tree the victims were taken, 
and to it they were bound with large deer skin thongs. 
Divested of all their clothing, bound hand and foot, 
they stood waiting their doom. A fire of dry limbs 
was kindled around them, while the Indians stripped 
themselves of their clothing, with their faces painted 
red, in preparation for a dance. Everything being now 
ready for the execution, Girty took his long knife and 



iOO REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

scalped the prisoners, saving the scalps as a trophy ot 
war. Taking- the scalp of Mrs. Sample, and tying the 
long hair around his neck, leaving the bloody scalp to 
hang on his breast. In this way, Grirty, assisted by the 
other Indians, danced around their victims, jumping uj) 
and down, and yelling like demons. Mr. and Mrs, 
Sample,:being bound to the tree, surrounded by burning- 
fagots, their scalps taken off, with the blood running 
down over their faces, and covering their naked bodies 
with gore. Soon the flames began t(5 take effect on the 
victims, and in their agony they besought the Indians 
to shoot or tomahawk them, and thereby terminate 
their sufferings. But their appeals were in vain : with 
fiendish laugh the Indians flourished their tomahawks 
over their heads, dancing and yelling in mockery of 
their sufferings. Mrs. Sample, whose youth and in- 
nocence ought to have moved the hardest heart, appealed 
to Grirty, for the sake of humanity, to save her from 
this terrible death. But her api)eals were without 
effect ; nothing could change the pur]:>ose, or soften the 
heart of this devil incarnate. When life was extinct, 
more fagots were put on the fire, until the remains 
were consumed. ISTothing was known of these murders 
at the time, and tor more than thirty years the sudden 
disappearance of Sanijile and wife i-emained a mvsterv 
to their fnen<ls. 

The next year after this tragedy occurred, James 
Hayes made a claim here, and built a cabin by the side 
of the spring, where the residence of Mr. Knox iioav 



EXECUTION. 103 

stands. Around the tree where Sample and wife were 
l)nrned, Mr. Hayes had noticed many hnnian bones, 
and in a ravine, close by, a human skull was found. 
But little was thought of this affair at the time, as these 
bones were supposed to be tliose of Indians, it beini;,- 
well known that they were in the habit of burying' 
their dead so near the top of the ground that wf)lve.^ 
frequently dug up and devoured the corpse. 

Nearly forty years have now passed away since these 
nnirders were committed, and this place, with its sur- 
roundings, has underwent a great change. Here where 
timber once grew, is now cultivated land. Instead of 
being surrounded by a wild, uninhabited region, it now 
shows everywhere the marks of civilization. To the 
east, and in plain view, lies the city of Princeton, witli 
its beautiful landscape scenery, its shade trees and parks, 
wliile its tall spires are seen to glitter in the sunbeams. 
The old burr oak tree, where the victims suffered, and 
around which the Indians danced, has long since fell l)y 
tlie woodman's axe, but its stump still remains as a relic 
of the past. And as you look on this stump, and tlie 
scene around it, you will be reminded of the awful 
tragedy which took place on this spot.* 



*This tragical story came principaUy through Indian sources, and 
was unknown to the early settlers of this county. The manner of 
capturing and executing tlie victims was narrated to the writer, a few 
years ago, by two Pottawatamie chiefs, named Half Day and Girty. 
During the time of the Black Hawk war, a rumor was current among 
the people, that a man and his wife was lost while traveling from the 
Mississippi to the Illinois river. Four years after the war, Shaubena 
told the writer that the Indians had burned a man and woman, whose 
names were unknown to him. Also, Squire Holly, a well known 



CHAPTER XII. 



BULBONA. 



At the south end of Biilboiia Grove, \vhere the 
residence of David A. Jones now stands, is a slight 
eminence, skirted on three sides by trees, while the 
fourth side opens out on the prairie. On this spot 
Bulbona built a cabin, in the summer of 1828, and 
occupied it as a residence for a number of years. Bul- 
bona was born of French parents, and was reared and 
spent his youthful days among the Indians, in tlie wilds 



pioneer, and whose face was famiUar to many of the Bureau settlers. 
Many years ago, a young man named Britt Sample, lived north of 
Dover, and for some time made his home with James Q. Forristall. 
Sample said his uncle and aunt disappeared at the commencement of 
the Black Hawk war, and were thought to have been killed by the- 
Indians. 

The writer has spent much time in the investigation of this tragical 
affair, corresponding with those who would be likelj' to have some 
knowledge of the matter, also visiting the place where the friends of 
the victims are said to have lived, and And the accounts conflicting. 
One account says the parents of Mrs. Sample, wliose names were May, 
lived in a hovel, partly dug out of the bluff, on the site of an ancient 
Indian village, nearly opposite the mouth of Lake Du Pue. They had 
lived in the country but a short time, and at the commencement of 
the war they boarded a steamboat at Fort Wilburn, and went to 
Missouri, where they had formerly lived. 



BULBONA. 105 

of the west. He was a large, raw-boned, dark coni- 
plexioned man, and had a coarse bass voice, and at the 
time we refer to was far advanced in life. His wife was 
an Indian squaw, of the Pottawatamie tribe, with whom 
he had lived many years, and raised a number of half- 
Ijreed children. Their habits and dress, as well as their 
language, was a cross between the French and Indian, 
understanding and speaking the English language very 
imperfectly. For many years Bulbona was employed 
by the American Fur Company, on the Illinois river ; 
and on leaving them, he commenced trade on his own 
footing. After establishing himself at the Grove, he 
had a large trade, as Indians from a distance would 
patronize his trading house, in preference to that of the 
Fur Company. He built a cabin for a store room, on 
the west side, adjoining his dwelling, some of the logs 
of which, I believe, are still to be seen, or were a few 
years ago. 

Bulbona was thought to be wealthy, and among the 
Indians he exercised great influence. Black Hawk, 
aware of his influence over the Indians, visited him on 
one occasion, and with arguments and bribes, tried to 
induce him to favor a union of the *Pottawatamies witli 
the Sacs and Foxes, for the purpose of making war on 
the frontier settlers. But Bulbona would not listen to 
these entreaties, as he was on friendly terms with the 
settlers, and did much to save them from the tomahawk 
of his red friends. 



106 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



THE FAIR MAIDEN AND HER TWO LOVERS. 

Builxtiia liad H daugliter named Zeffa, who was at 
this time about eighteen years of age, and a girl of 
remarkable personal attraction. Being tall and graceful, 
with large, expressive black eyes, ruby cheeks, and 
l)eautiful long wavy hair, inheriting from her white 
father and red mother some of the best qnalities of 
each. Zeffa had two lovers, one of whom was a yonng 
half-breed, who lived at Indiantowni, and the other a 
French trader, of Peoria, Between the riA^al suitors 
l)ad feeling existed, each claiming exclusive right to the 
young maiden. The father favored the suit of the 
Frenchman, while the mother that of the Indian. The 
girl appeared to have an equal attachment for both, and 
coidd not decide in her own mind which of the two to 
marry. While things were in this condition, the tw(t 
suitors, by chance, met at Bulbona's. The Frenchman 
was a small, dark-complexioned, hump-shouldered man, 
unprepossessing in appearance, but was dressed in a 
new suit of clothes, corresponding with the fashion of 
the day. The Indian was the opposite in personal 
appearance, being tall and straight, aiul his manly form 
was decorated in a ])uckskin hunting shirt and leggins. 
wliile around his head was a wreatli of eagle featliers. 
In his belt he always carried his tomahawk and scalping 
knife, and a i-ifle on his shoulder, whicli caused him to 



THE WEDDING. 107 

look more like g'oing to war than a courting. Things 
had now come to a crisis, and it must be decided, as 
each insisted on marrying the maid. The Indian 
proposed to fight a duel with the Frenchman, using 
rifles at ten paces, and let powder and ball decide their 
respective claims. Mrs. Bulbona favored this method 
of settling the matter, as she contended tliat the woi-ld 
^^"as not large enough to hold both of them, and if one 
was killed, her daughter would be at liberty to marrv 
the other. At the proposed duel, the Frenchman 
shrugged his shoulders, believing his chances poor with 
an adversary who had handled the rifle from his ])oy- 
hood. In return, the Frenchman offered to compromise 
the matter with the Indian, and buy out his claim to 
the girl, and thereby save tlie effusion of blood. Tliis 
proposition was agreed to, and the arrangements were 
made in the presence, and by the consent of, the whole 
family. The price and pay agreed upon consisted of 
twenty-one blankets, and fifty strings of beads, to be 
delivered at the Frenchman's trading house in Peoria. 
The i-ival suitor being now disposed of, they set al>out 
making preparations for 



THE WEDDING. 

On the day appointed for the wedding, the intendeil 
groom, accompanied by a French Catholic priest, frdui 
Peoria, arrived at Bulbona's. A number of friends, 
consisting of French. Indians, and half-breeds, were 



108 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

invited, and great preparations made to celebrate the 
nuptials. On the day of the wedding, Col. Strowbridge, 
Dad Joe, and Henry Thomas, on returning from Peoria, 
where they had been on business, called at Bulbona's 
house, and, being old friends, they were invited to stay 
and witness the marriage ceremony, which invitation 
was accepted. The priest, wearing on his head a gold- 
laced cap, and his body wrapped in a ruffled white robe, 
with a red ribbon around his neck, on which was 
suspended and hanging on his breast, a heavy gold 
cross. With all the pomp and dignity of his position, 
lie was about to celebrate tlie sacred rights of matri- 
mony, according to the Catholic church. While 
standing, leaning against the wall, engaged in prayer, 
a dog came into the room and seated himself in front 
of the priest, and probably being astonished at his fine 
regalia, commenced barking. Four or five other dogs, 
that were standing at the door, on hearing the dog 
barking in the liouse, no doubt thinking that some wild 
animal was treed within, rushed in, and all commenced 
barking at the priest, as though he was a stag at bay. 
Bulbona commenced kicking the dogs, in order to drive 
them out, but it only set them to fighting ; and, in the 
melee, they threw down the priest, soiled and tore his 
robe, and scratched his face. This affair tlirew the 
wedding party into confusion. Much loud talk and 
hard words were used toward the dogs. The priest, in 
particular, gave vent to his feelings in loud denun- 
ciations against the brutish curs, but everything was 



THE WEDDING DINNER. 109 

said in French or Indian dialect, which was not un<ler- 
stood by Col. Strowbridge and others of his party. 
Things were again put to rights, and the marriage 
ceremony performed, after which came 



THE WEDDING DINNER. 

Mrs. Bulbona was a good cook, and knew how to 
prepare a sumptuous dinner, but she still adhered to the 
Indian method of serving it up. Her Indian triends 
had previously furnished her with various kinds of 
game for the occasion, so that her guests could have 
their choice of meats. In the center of the table was 
placed a large tin pan, filled with soup, and in which 
were various kinds of meat. In this soup pan w^ere 
the feet of prairie chickens, ducks, squirrels, and coons, 
cooked with the claws and hair on. In this way they 
were served out to the guests, according to Indian 
custom. Col. Strowbridge, who was always full of fun, 
took the ladle, and fishing in the soup until he brought 
up a chicken's foot ; then addressing Dad Joe, he said : 
" Dad, shall I help you to some of the fowl ?" to which 
Dad replied : " No, God bless you !'' Again fishing up 
a foot of a coon, with the hair and claws on it, sang out : 
'' Dad, shall I help you to some of the coon ?" " No, 
God bless you. Colonel ; I will wait on myself." 



110 REMINISCENCES OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 



FOUR TRAVELERS ARRIVE, 

On the wedding eve, preparations were made to 
celebrate the nuptials wath a dance; and, in order to 
have music on the occasion, a fiddler was brought from 
Peoria. The store room was converted into a dancing 
hall, and the dancers were a motley set, consisting of 
French, Indians, and half-breeds. The bride and groom 
took part in the dance, enjoying themselves very much, 
being the centre of attraction, and were the gayest of 
the gay. In addition to the invited guests, Bulbona 
had sent invitations to many of his Indian friends, to 
visit the house on the wedding evening, for the purpose 
of receiving presents, a treat, etc. And as soon as it 
was dark, the cabin was surrounded by some fifty 
Indians, who were furnished with all the whisky they 
could drink, and many of whom soon became drunk 
and noisy. 

It was now after dark, being a beautiful September 
night, and the wedding party at Bulbona's was about to 
commence the dance, when a light covered wagon was 
drove up to the door, and the travelers, four in number, 
requested entertainment. Bulbona did not keep a hotel, 
but as his residence was a half-way house between 
Boyd's and Thomas', travelers sometimes stopped with 
him. Tlie host informed the guests that his house was 
full, and he could not entertain them; but seeing by 



FOUR TRAVELERS ARRIVE. Ill 

tlieir uintbrm that they were army officers, he invited 
them in to take something to drink, and see tlie 
wedding party. The invitation was accepted, and the 
party entered the house, where they remained several 
lionrs. For the names and description of the travelers, 
and what was done at Bnlbona's house, the writer is 
indebted to Mr. Kilgore, who was one of the party, 
being along with them as teamster, Mr. Kilgore was 
at that time li^ang near Peoria, but at the present time 
lives, or was a few years ago, living west of Dixon. 
The travelers were dressed in United States nniform. 
and the straps on their shoulders showed their rank to 
1)6 as follows : A Lieutenant, a Captain, and a Colonel. 
The Colonel was a middle aged man, heavy set, broad 
shoulderes, dark complexion, prominent nose, under 
lip projecting, which indicated a person of great decision 
and force of character. This man was Zachariah 
Taylor, late president of the United States. The 
Lieutenant was a young man, tall and slim, with a high 
forehead, a large Roman nose, irregular, but prominent 
features, and had the appearance of a man with tine 
mental faculties. This young man was no other than 
Jetf. Davis, ex-president of the late Southern confede- 
ration. The Captain, whose name was Smith, belonged 
to Col, Taylor's regiment, at Prairie du Chien, but 
nothino; is known of his history. These officers were 
en a leave of absence, in order to visit friends at the 
south, and were now on their return to their regiment, 
then quartered at Prairie du Chien. There were but 



112 EEMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

few steamboats running on western rivers in those days, 
and the party had ascended the Illinois river, as far as 
Peoria, in one of these. Here they employed Mr. 
Kilgore to carry them, in a two-horse wagon, to Galena, 
from which place they intended to take a l>oat for their 
destination, which w^as a common way ol traveling from 
sontli to north in those days. Bnlbona was always 
very polite to strangers, but on the present occasion he 
was nnnsually so, introducing the officers to the wedding 
guests, and presenting them with various kinds of 
drinks, which had been prepared for the occasion, and 
the officers, as well as the wedding party, were soon 
under its influence. 

THE DANCE AND TRAGEDY. 

The style of the dance was partly French and partly 
Indian, and with the dancers, all was joy and mirth. 
Above the sound of the violin, and the merry laughs of 
the guests, the dancers' feet were heard to rattle on the 
rough puncheon floor. The Indians, on the outside of 
the house, fronting the doors and windows, becoming 
animated by the music wathin, carried on a dance in 
their own way, jumping up and down, and yelling at 
the top of their voices. Lieut. Davis took part in the 
dance, and soon became the leading spirit of the party. 
His tall form was conspicuous among the dancers, 
sometimes imitating the French style of dancing, then 
the Indian, tlieu again going it on his own footing, like 
at an old-fashioned Kentucky hoe-down. 



THE DANCE AND THE TRAGEDY, 113 

Among the wedding party was a niece of Mrs. 
Bnlbona, a young sqna^v of great attraction, and she 
danced in her Indian style with much grace, Lieut. 
Davis was fascinated with her charms, and danced with 
her in ahnost every set. Being under the influence of 
Kquor, he would do many remarkable things; some- 
times changing the order of the dance, to suit his fancy. 
When quadrilles w^ere danced, he would change it into 
a waltz, so he could have his arm around the waist of 
the young squaw. Then freeing himself from her, he 
would dance with all his force, causing his tall forjm to 
wriggle as it swayed to and fro ; sometimes jumping up 
and down in quick succession, and yelling at the top of 
his voice, in imitation of the Indians at the door. Col. 
Taylor and Capt, Smith took no part in the dance, but 
sat in one corner of the room, looking on, and almost 
splitting their sides with laughter. 

Lieut. Davis was now under the influence of liquor, 
and l:>eing fascinated with his fair partner in the dance, 
made to her a dishonorable proposition, which was 
resented w4th contempt. JS'otwithstanding this resent- 
ment, the Lieutenant took improper liberties with her ; 
such liberties as politeness will not tolerate in a ball 
room. The young squaw considered herself insulted, 
in the presence of the company, and told her brother 
of the insult. Her brother, who was a tall, athletic 
Indian, was very angry on account of the insult to his 
sister, and was determined to punish the offender. 
Being quite drunk, and his brain frenzied by anger, he 



114 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

went up to Lieut. Davis, and in broken English, 
accused him of insulting his sister; and, at the same 
time, pulled his nose. Lieut. Davis, who never lacked 
courage, pushed the Indian from him, and drew forth a 
pistol. The Indian, with a fiendish smile, drew his 
long knife. The dancing stopped, the women screamed, 
and all was confusion, as it was expected in a moment 
to see the death of one or both of the parties. But in 
an instant Col. Taylor sprang between the eoml)utants, 
and thereby prevented the effusion of blood. 

It was no doubt from acts like the one above narrated, 
that caused Col. Taylor to denounce Jeff. Da\is as a 
wild, unscrupulous profligate, and unfit to be a husband 
for his daughter. But notwithstanding the Colonel's 
dislike to Davis, forbidding him ever again to enter 
his house, in less than one year from that time, he ran 
off with, and married his daughter. In this act, Davis 
left his regiment, forfeited his commission in the army, 
and settled in the State of Mississippi. Col. Taylor 
did not become reconciled to the conduct of Davis, and 
for fifteen years they never met or corresponded. 

On the battle field of Biiena Yista, Davis at that 
time commanding a regiment of Mississippi volunteers, 
stormed and took possession of the Mexican batteries, 
and thereby saved the battle. Then, for the first time 
since Davis left Prairie du Chien, Gen. Taylor rode nj) 
to him, and taking him by the hand, expressed his 
approbation of his heroic conduct, saying after all his 
daughter was a better judge of his ability than himself 



THE DANCE AND THE TKAGEDY. 115 

After the trouble between Lieut. Davis and the 
Indian, the travelers left Bulbona's for Henry Thomas', 
which was on their road, and about six miles distant. 
Hei-e they remained over night, and next morning they 
continued their journay towards Galena. At the com- 
mencement of the Black Hawk war, Bnlbona left the 
grove, and never returned to it again, but settled in the 
eastern part of the State, in Kankakee county, at a 
grove which stills bears his name. 

The little hump-backed Frenchman, who married 
Bulbona's daughter, was a successful Indian trader, and 
accumulated a large fortune. Soon after his marriage, 
he went to St. Paul, where he continues to live, and by 
whom many of the incidents related in this story will 
be confirmed. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



MILITARY FORCE ORGANIZED. 

Forty years ago Putnam county was not such a 
diminutive affair as it now is, but included within its 
boundaries the territory which at present constitutes 
Bureau, Stark, and Marshall counties. Within this 
vast territory, there was not over five hundred inhabi- 
tants, who were scattered along the principal groves, 
known as settlements. But two towns had been 
surveyed within the limits of Putnam county — Hen- 
nepin and Columbia, (now Lacon) ; each of these 
contained but a few log cabins. Not one frame building, 
school or meeting house, nor one surveyed road could 
be found within the limits of Putnam county. On two 
occasions only the placid waters of the Illinois river 
had been ruffled by a steamboat, its commerce having 
been carried on by keel boats and bateaux. Such was 
the state of affairs at the commencement of the Black 
Hawk war, when people were compelled to leave their 
cabins, rude though they were, and take refuge in block 
houses, called forts, by courtesy. 



MILITARY FORCE ORGANIZED. 117 

Governor Keviiolds issued a proclamation, notifying 
the frontier settlers tliat tliey must defend themselves, 
MS all volunteers would be needed in active service. 

In accordance with tliis proclamation, runners were 
sent to the different settlements in the county, notiiyino: 
all persons tit for military duty, to meet at Hennepin, 
on the 20th of May, to organize military companies. 
Previous to this meeting, John Strawn had received a 
colonel's commission, and had been notified to call for 
volunteers, under the militia law. On the day ap- 
pointed, peo])le from various parts of the county 
appeared at the place of rendezvous, all of whom were 
clothed in their working dresses, and carrying guns on 
their shoulders. Col. Strawn made his appearance 
among them, in full military dress, wearing a laced 
coat with epaulets on his slioulders, and a cocked hat 
of the Bonaparte pattern. Volunteers were numerous, 
and three companies of rangers were organized, among 
whom were many of the early settlers of Bureau 
county. Col. Strawn made a speech to these volun- 
teers, exhorting them to deeds of bravery, and 
threatened to shoot down the first man that turned his 
back on the painted foe. For the first time in Putnam 
county was heard the fife and drum, and much enthu- 
siasm was manifested among the rangers, some of whom 
sang patriotic songs. Dave Jones passed thi'ough the 
crowd, slapping his hands on his thighs, and dancing 
"Jim Crow." The rangers were all mounted on 
horseback, finding their own horses, arms, provisions. 



118 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

canip e(|uipag'e, &c., and were uii tiuty about ouv 
iiiunth. Some twenty years after the war, these rangers 
received for their services, a military land warrant. 

It was agreed at the lirst meeting of the rangers that 
the IlHnois river should be the line of defense, and an 
order was issued, forbidding all persons crossing the 
river without permission from the proper officers. 
Hennepin was made the headquarters for militars' 
operations, and a fort was ordered to be built for that 
purpose. Hartzell's old trading house was torn down, 
and its timbers used in the construction of a fort. This 
fort was located on the river bank, opposite the feiTy, 
(now Front street), and consisted of a two story block 
house. The upper story projected over the lower one, 
and above and below were port holes, so the imnates 
(ujuld lire on the enemy, in case they were attacked. 
Within this fort, or encamped around it, were the 
families of many of the lirst settlers of this county, 
among M'hom were the families of Dr. ,N. Chamberlain. 
Roland Moseley, John Musgrove, Joel Doolittle, and 
Widow Electa Smith. 



FORT THOMAS. 

About the 20th of May, two companies of mounted 
i-augers, princiijallv from St. Clair county, under the 
counnand of Maj. Baxter, came to Bureau, and built a 
foi-t. This fort M-as located on Henry Thomas' claim, 
and occupied the very spot where Thomas Yaughan's 



INDIAN SCARE AT HENNEPIN. 119 

house now .stands. l)eing aliout four miles north ot 
Wyanet. Fort Thomas consisted of a block house, 
surrounded with barricades, which was constructed of 
puncheons, set into the ground, and about fifteen feet 
high. On the southwest angle of the fort, there was 
an entrance through the barricades, guarded by a heavy 
swing gate. While the fort was being built, a tile of 
soldiers stood guard over the workmen, to prevent their 
being surprised by the Indians. The horses belonging 
to the rangers, were hobbled during the day tinie, while 
feeding on the prairie, and at night they were tied to 
posts around the fort. There were about one hundred 
and forty men l)elonging to this battalion, and they 
remained here on duty until the war was over. During 
their stay, they killed and ate some of Thomas' cattle, 
used his cril) of corn, and burned his rails for fuel, 
besides robbing the cal)ins of some of the settlers. It 
is said while here they drank two barrels of whisky, 
had seventeen tights among themselves, and returned 
to their homes without havino: seen an Indian. 



SCARE AT HENNEPIN — A SEARCH FOR INDIANS. 

It was near sundown, on the 25th of May, 1832. 
when a steamboat came down the river from Fort 
Wilburn, and landed at Hennepin. The captain and 
ci-ew of the boat said, about two miles above, on the 
east side of the river, they saw a body of Indians run into 
the woods, and skulk behind trees. This report created 



120 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

a great panic among the people, and preparations were 
made for defense. The fort, at that time, was in an 
miUnished condition, and therefore would afford but 
little protection. The women and children were put 
on board of an empty keel boat, which lay at the 
wharf, with three men to manage it. The men having 
the management of the boat, were instructed to push 
it out into the middle of the stream, and let it float 
down stream, should the town be attacked. In this 
boat were the families of Mr. Moseley, Mr. Musgrove, 
Widow Smith, and others belonging to Bureau settle- 
ment. During the excitement, Mr. Blanchard and 
wife, unobserved by any one, went on board of a 
pirogue, and started down the river. After going a 
short distance, and hearing no lighting at the fort, they 
laid to ; and about daybreak next morning, returned up 
the river to Hennepin. Those on board of the keel 
boat, heard Blanchard rowing his craft, and believed 
that the Indians were coming. Through the dim 
morning light they saw the red bow of the pirogue, 
which was mistaken for Indian l)lankets. The men 
prepared themselves for defense, while the women and 
children commenced crying, thinking their time had 
come. A challenge was given from the boat, but it 
was not heard by those in the pirogue ; a second one 
was given, and the men in the boat were about to iire, 
when Blanchard let himself be known. 

For some days it was believed that the Indians were 
secreted in the river timber, and a company of rangers 



FORT WILBUKN". 121 

went in search of them. Some of the rangers ascended 
the river in canoes, while others pursued their way on 
horseback. After passing the mouth of Bureau creek, 
and seeing no Indians, nor Indian signs, the party in 
canoes conckided to fire off their guns, in order to 
frighten those on horseback, while the party on horse- 
back had conceived the same idea, and both parties fired 
almost simultaneously, to the great astonishment of 
each other. The joke was a good one, and both parties 
acknowledged that they were beaten at their own game. 
John Hall, with three hired men, had returned to 
his claim, to look after his crops, which had been 
neglected in consecpience of the war. As Indians were 
reported to have been seen in the river timber, it was 
thought best to notify Hall and his men of their danger. 
Consequently, Williamson Durley and Mr. Simpson 
volunteered for that purpose. The messengers, in a 
canoe, ascended the river as far as Spring Lake, and 
from there they went on foot to Hall's cabin. It was 
after dark when they arrived, and were much surprised 
to find the cabin deserted. On holloing, they were 
answered by Hall and party, off in the grove, who had 
taken quilts and were sleeping some distance li*om the 
cabin, so as to avoid being surprised, should Indians 
attack the cabin during the night. 

FORT WILBURN AND AYREs' BLACKSMITH SHOP. 

Many of the early settlers will recollect John Hayes, 
who kept a store in a log cabin under the bluff, where 



122 REMINISCENCES OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 

Peru now stands. Mr. Hayes had a tarni here by the 
side <»f the river, and had OL^capied it for three years 
previous to the Indian troubles. When the war broke 
out, Hayes, Lapsley, and Burton Ayres, with others, 
commenced building a fort on the present site of 
La Salle; but on being notified of immediate danger, 
they abandoned it, boarded their canoes, and went down 
to Hennepin. A few^ days afterwards, Mr. Hayes' two 
l)oys, Harrison and Jonathan, (the former now living in 
the town of Manlius), took a canoe, and went up to 
their farm to finish planting corn. Next day, about 
four o'clock in the afternoon, the steamer Caroline came 
up the river, with Capt. Wilbui-n's company of volun- 
teers on board. When the captain of the steand^oat 
saw the boys at work in the field, he fired off a cannon, 
rounded to, and sent out a yawl to take them on board. 
The boat ascended the river as far as the mouth of Big 
Yermillion, where she lay all night, anchored in the 
middle of the stream, with steam up, and soldiers with 
loaded muskets proinenading the deck. JSText morning, 
the troops were lauded on the south side of the river, 
and they commenced building Fort Wilburn. 

William Tompkins and Sampson Cole, with their 
families, and John Cole, now a resident of Tiskilwa, 
were the only people at that time living in the eastern 
]>art of this county. When the war commenced, they 
became alarmed at their exposed situation, lia])le at any 
moment to he attacked by the Indians. Each tnigh 
they would take quilts and blankets, cross the river in 



FORT WILBUEN. 128 

their earioe, and sleep in the thick timber of the bottom. 
In tlie mornino-, they wonld return to. their cabins, and 
spend the dav at work on their claims; bnt at night, 
ci'oss the river as before. After spending a nnmber of 
nights in the woods, they became afraid to retnrn t(» 
their homes, and in their canoes went down to Hen- 
nepin, where they remained for some days. As soon as 
Fort Wilburn was built, they took quarters in it, where 
they remained until the war was over. 

On the north side of the river, almost opposite Fort 
Wilburn, now within the limits of La Salle, stood a 
log blacksmith shop, which was occupied by a young 
man named Burton Ayres. For three years, Mr. Ayres 
had done a lucrative business hei'e, as his shop occupied 
a central position between Bureau and Fox River settle- 
ment, and received the patronage of both. Mr. Ayres 
was a very industrious man, and had accumulated quite 
a sum of money for those days. On a w^arm spring 
morning, the day before the Indian Creek massacre, as 
Mr. Ayres was engaged in welding a plow share, Shau- 
bena called at his shop, and told him to flee for his life, 
or he would be killed by the Indians, probably before 
the setting of the sun. Mr. Ayres at once removed his 
anvil block, dug a hole in the ground, wrapped his 
money — which was all in silver — in his leather apron, 
and buried it ; then replacing his anvil block, and closing 
the door of his shop, he left on foot for the state of 
Ohio. About six months afterwards, Mr. Ayres re- 
turned, resurrected his money, and continued his 
business as before. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



EXPLANATION. 

It may be of interest to the reader to know by wliat 
means many of the facts relating to the Indians of this 
county were obtained, as some of thera were unknown 
to the early settlers, — therefore an e.x:i)lauation of this 
matter becomes necessary : 

A few years ago, while in the city of Washington, I 
met a number of Pottawatatnie chiefs, from Western 
Kansas, among whom was Col. Barrassa, an educated 
half-breed, and author of a book, entitled, " Indian Life 
and Customs." Through the politeness of Col. Barrassa, 
I was introduced to two other chiefs, and from whom 
many of the incidents related in tliis story were 
obtained. One of these chiefs was the well known 
Half Day, a son of Autuckee, and the other represented 
iiimself as a son of Girty, the outlaw. Tiiese chiefs 
said they were born on Bureau, iMit left it while in 
boyhood; nevertheless they had a distinct recollection 
of some of the early settlers, and described the personal 



EXPLANATION. 12^ 

a])pearaiice of Michael Kitterman, Elijah Ep])ersoii, 
and otliers. 

These chiefs inquired if I was connected with any of 
the people killed l)_y the Indians ; and heing answered 
in the negative, they went on to describe the mannei- 
of killing Phillips, Sample, and others. These acts 
were jnstihed by the chiefs, contending that they were 
done in defense of theii' rights. On hearing these 
chiefs describe the manner of killing women and 
children on Indian creek, and burning at the stake of 
S(jnire Holly, as well as Sample and his wife, I said to 
them their people were really savage barbarians; to 
which they replied, " No act of their's was so barbar(.iis 
as that of the soldiers at the battle of Bad Axe. all of 
which is a matter of history. When squaws, with 
infants in their arms, asked for quarter, their appeals 
were disregarded, being shot down like brutes. A 
soldier ran his bayonet through tlie body of an infant, 
holding it up above his head, on the end of his gun, 
while the child was screaming in the agonies of death, 
and this act of barbarity was applanded by his comrades. 
Many of the squaws, on finding no quarter could be 
<)l)tained from the soldiers, threw themselves into tlu' 
river, and tliere met a waterv o-rave.* Eii>ht oi" ten 



* I have heard it stated by an eye-witness, and it Is also a matter ot 
history, that a squaw named Ne-wa-se, a sister of a distinguislied eliief. 
during? tlie liottest of tlie battle, wrapped a blanket around lier infant, 
and holding it in lier teeth, plunged into the Mississippi, seized hold 
of the tail of a pony, whose rider was swi niming the river, and by tli:it 
means she was taken safely across. 
M 



126 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

small c-hildreii took refuge under the river bank, but 
were tbuud bv the soldiers, and niurdei'ed in cold blood. ' 



SHAUBENA. " 

A few years after the Black Hawk war, Shaubena. 
with his band of followers, consisting of about one 
hundred and forty in nundjer, were encamped for some 
weeks on Bureau, near the crossing of the Dixon road. 
At that time the writer was living close by Shau- 
bena's encampment, and was frequently in his wigwam, 
and from him learned much of his history, as well a.>- 
other facts relating to the Indians of this county. 
Shaubena said that he was of the Ottawa tribe, but in 
his youth he married the daughter of a noted Potta- 
watamie chief, whom he succeeded at his death, which 
occui'red a few years afterwards, as one of the principal 
chiefs of the rribe. In 1811 he accompanied Tecumseli 
in his mission to the Creek Indians, in Mississippi, and 
was with him at the council of Vincennes. At the 
time of tlie British war, in 1812, he was made a war 
chief, was an aid to Tecumseh, and stood by his sidi 
wlien he fell at the battle of the Thames.f Shauheiia 



*This name ha.s been speUed in various ways; sucli as Shaubena, 
Shabbona, and Sliawbonee. The former mode of speUing has been 
adopted, on account of its appearing so in the Indian treaties. 

tWlien Diclv Johnson was Vice President, Shaubena visited Wash- 
ington, and liad an interview with liim, in relation to the killing of 
Tecumseh. After this interview, the Vice President took the old 
warrior by the arm, introducing him to the heads of the departments. 
<">n separating, Johnson gave .Shaubena a heavy gold ring, as a token 
|>1 friiMidsliip, which he wor« on his finger until tlioday of his death. 




SHAUBEMA. 



SHAUBENA. 12 ' 

was a fine lookino; Indian, tall and straight, with l)road 
shoulders, a large head, and a stranger could see by liis 
general appearance that he was no ordinary personage. 
He spoke the English language very imperfectly, and 
was not celebrated as a o^]-eat orator in his native tongue, 
but his superior knowledge of men and things, gave 
liim great influence over his people. After the death 
of Senachwine and Black Partridge, no chief between 
the lake and Mississippi exercised so much influence 
over the Indians, as Sliaubena. His home was at 
Sliaubena Grove, now DeKalb county; but foi- tln'rty 
years he had made Bureau liis hunting ground, and 
was well known by many of the early settlers. Shau- 
l>ena had two wives, one of whom was the ]:)artnei' of 
his youth, and by her he had many gi-own up children. 
At a later period, he had married a young S(p;aw, and 
by whom lie iiad three small children. Between tbe 
old and young squaw, quarrels were very common, 
some of which would result in open hostility. One 
day Sliaubena said to the writer, it was strange that liis 
squaws could not agree, as there were only two of 
them, while other chiefs could have a dozen oi- moi-e. 
and all of whom would live together in perfect harmony. 
Sliaubena said at the commencement of the Black 
Hawk war, seventeen of his young warrioi's ran oft' 
and joined the Sacs and Foxes, two of whom partici- 
[tateil in the Indian Creek massacre, as well as the 
killing of Phillips. For this offense he never forgave 
ihem, and thev were not allowed after the war to ioin 



180 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

his band. One of these only, a brother of his young 
s(|iia\v, he pardoned, and again reinstated him in favor 
with the band This Indian was tall and lank, with a 
savaii-e l(.Mik; had one hand shot off in the battle of 
Wisconsin I'iver, and was present at the Indian Creek 
tiiassacre: and through him the writer obtained manv 
facts relating to that event. 

At tiie commencement of the Black Hawk war. 
Shanbena went to Dixon's ferrv, to offe]- the services of 
himself and warriors of his band to Gov. Eeynolds, to 
tight against the Sacs and Foxes. Mounted on hit- 
ponv. and alone, he arrived at Dixon's ferry on the 
same day that Stillman's army reached there. The 
soldiers, believing Shanbena to be an enemy in disguise, 
dragged him from his pony, took aw-ay his gun and 
tomahawk, and otherwise mistreated him, telling him 
they had left home to kill Indians, and he should be 
their tirst victim. A man, running at the top of his 
speed, came to Dixon's house, and told him that the 
soldiers Jiad taken Shanbena prisoner, and were about 
to |)ut liim to death. Mr. Dixon, in all haste, ran to 
the rescue, when he found the soldiers (who were 
somewhat under the influence of li(pior), about to stain 
their hands with innocent blood. Dixon, claiming the 
prisoner as an old triend, took him by the arm aTid 
conducted him to his own house, when. he was after- 
wards ijitroduced to Gov, Reynolds, Gen. Atkinson. 
Col. Taylor, and others. 

Shanbena, with his warriors, joined Atkinson's armv. 



SHAUBENa's adventure at CHICAGO. 131 

and partie-ipated in all the battles during the war. In 
the fall of 1836, he and his band abandoned theii' 
reservations of land at the grove, giving way to the 
tide of emigration, and went west of the Mississippi. 
But Shaubena's fidelity to the whites, caused him to be 
persecuted by the Sacs and Foxes, In revenge, they 
killed his son and nephew, and hunted him down like 
a wild beast. Two years after going west, in order U> 
save his life, he left his people, and with a part of his 
family returned to this county. For some years he 
traveled from place to place, visiting a number of eastern 
cities, where he was much lionized, and received many 
valuable presents. Many of our citizens will recollect 
his last visit to Princeton, in 1857, while on his way 
eastward. At that time Shaubena came to the residence 
of the writer, and an old acquaintance of twenty -two 
years standing was renewed. He inquired after many 
of the old settlers of his acquaintance, and on l>eing 
told that they were in their graves, tears filled his eyes. 
Shaubena died in July, 1859, on the bank of tlu- 
Illinois river, neai- Seneca, in the eighty -fourth year of 
his age; and contrary to his wish, he was buried in 
Morris cemetery. No monument marks the last resting 
})lace of this friend of the white man. 



SHAUBENA S ADVENTURE AT CHICAGO. 

Shaubena, while in conversation with the writer, gave 
an account of a visit to Chicago, in 1812, at the time 



132 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

ot" iiiHssaereinii- tlie troops under Capt, Heald. He 
said : " It was in the at'teruoo)i of the fatal day. a few 
hours after the battle, when in company with twenty- 
two wai-riors, he arrived at Chicago. Along the beach 
of the lake, where the battle was fought, lay forty-one 
dead bodies — the I'eniains of soldiers, women and 
children, all of which were scalped, and more or less 
inutulated. The body of Capt. Wells was lying in one 
place, and his head in another ; these remains wei'e 
gathered up l)y Black Partridge, and buried in the sand 
near where he fell. The prisoners were taken to the 
Indian encampment, and (•h)sely guarded, to prevent 
their escape. John Kinzie, an Indian trader, whose 
house stood on the north side of the river, opposite 
Fort Dearborn, had l)een for some years trading with 
the Indians, and among tliem he had many friends. 
By special favor, he was allowed to return to his own 
house, accompanied by his family, and the wife of 
Lieut. Helm, who was badly wounded. 

"That evening, al)out sundown, a council of chiefs 
was called to decide the fate of the ]n'isoners; and it 
was agreed to deliver them uj) to the British com- 
mander at Detroit, in accordance with the terms of 
eapitulation. After dark, many wari-iors from a distance 
came into camp, who were thirsting for l)loo(l. and were 
determined to murder the prisoners, regardless of the 
stipulated terms of surrender. Bhick Partri'lge,* with 

iJlow th .''"'""■''^f '''"' '"" '-'"^^g^o" the nuuois river, a short distance- 
»..low th«^ present .sUe of Henry. Accor.li ug to the statement of Shau- 



SHALTBENAS ADVENTUKE AT CHICAGO, 133 

a few of liis friends, surrounded Kinzie's house, t(t 
protect the inmates from the tomahawks of these bhxnl- 
thirsty savages." Shaubena further said, "tliat he. 
with other warriors, were standing on the porch, witli 
rlieir guns crossing the doorway, when a body of hostik- 
warriors, with blackened faces, rushed by tliein, forcing 
their way into tlie liouse. 

•• Tlie parlor was now full of Indians, who stood with 
their tomahawks and scalping knives, awaiting the 
signal from their chief, when they would commence the 
work of death. Black Partridge said to Mrs. Kinzie. 
"We have done everything in our power to save you, 
but all is now lost ; you, and your friends, together with 
all the prisoners at the camp, will be slain," At that 
moment a canoe was heard approaching the shore, when 
Black Partridge ran down to the river, trying in the 
<Uirkness to make out the new comers, and at the same 
time shouted, " Who are you, friend or foe?" In the 



bena, he was an Indian of more than ordinary intellect, and was 
always a friend ot the whites. The reader will reeoilectan account o^ 
him, sivcn in Mrs. Kinzie'sbook, saving the life of Mrs. Helm, at the 
Chieago massacre, by taking her away from a savage, and bearing her 
otr, wounded and bleeding, into the lake. Also his interview wKti 
Capt. Heald, on the morning of the fatal day. On entering the fort, 
Black Partridge said to the commanding officer, Capt. Heald : " I have 
come to deliver up to you this medal, whicii was given to me by your 
people, as a token of friendship. Our young warriors are. resolved to 
imbrue their hands in blood; lean not restrain them, and I will not 
wear an emblem of friendsliip while I am compelled to act as an 
enemy." Notwithstanding Black Partridge'sfriendship for the whites, 
a few weeks afterwards, his village and cornfield were destroyed, ponu's 
and camp equipage carried off, many of his people killed, and tlie 
remainder of his band driven off to a strange country. A brief 
account of the destruction of Black Partridge's village, commuiiicatfMl 
to the writer by an eye-witness, Gen. Whitesides, will be found in 
another part of this work. 



134: REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

l)()\v of the approaching canoe, stood a tall, nianlv 
personage, with a rille in his hand; and as the canoe 
came to shore, he jumped off on the l)each, exclaiming, 
ill a hjud, clear voice, the musical notes of which rang 
forth on the still night air: "I am the Sau-ga-nashr^ 
" Then," said Black Partridge, " hasten to the house, 
fitr (tur friends are in danger, and yon alone can save 
them."" Billy Caldwell, for it was he, ran to the liouse. 
euteriug the parlor, which was full of hostile Indians, 
and \)\ threats, and entreaties, prevailed on them to 
abandon their murderous designs ; and by him Kinzii^'s 
family, with the prisoners at the fort, were saved tVom 
death. 



* RlUy CaldweU, called by the Indians Sau-ga-uash, was a half-breed, 
and said to have been a son of Col. Caldwell, a British officer. He was 
one of the principal chiefs among the Pottawatamies, and was well 
known by the early .settlers of Chicago. 



CHAPTER XV 



INDIAN CREEK SETTLEMENT. 



After Slianbeiia had warned the settlers on Bui-eau 
of tlieir dangei', he went to Indian creek and Holder- 
man's grove, and gave notice to them also. Bnt 
unfortunately, some of the settlers disregarded his 
\\arning, and thereby paid the»forfeit with their lives. 
This tragedy, which we are about to relate, occurred 
outside ot the limits of Bureau county, and therefore 
might be regarded by the reader as foreign to our story. 
But it must be remembered that some of the victims 
\\'ere residents of this county, others had been pre^'i- 
ously, and the surviving members of the murdered 
families resided here for many years afterwards ; so that 
it is properly one of the incidents connected with the 
early settlement of Bureau county. It is also evident 
that these murders were committed by Indians, who 
l)elonged on Bureau, being the same guerrilla band 
that had searched in vain for victims along Bureau 
timber, a few days before. The account of this massacre 



18H REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

is taken iVoni stateinents made to the writer, by the 
surviviiiu' uieiHl)ers of the murdered faiiiilies, a short 
time after it occurred, and also from the statement of 
an Indian who participated in the murder. 

In the spring of 1830, William Daviess made a claim 
i>n Indian creek, twelve miles north of Ottawa, and had 
huilt his cal)in close by the creek bank, A few rods 
from his cabin he had built a blacksmith shop, he beiuii;- 
a blacksmith by trade. He had also commenced 
building a mill, and the dam for that purpose war- 
already completed. Some miles up the creek, was an 
Indian village, and its inhabitants were angry at Daviess 
for building this dam, as it prevented the fish from 
ascending the stream. Each day the Indians were in 
the habit of coming down below the dam to fish, and 
OH one occasion they threatened injury to Daviess 
family if it was not removed, so the fish could come up 
to their village. A number of days had now passed 
away since the Indians were down to fish, and none had 
been seen along the creek, or in the neighborhood. 
The absence of the Indians caused Daviess to fear that 
they intended revenge on him and family, for what they 
considered a trespass on their rights. In order to 
compromise this matter, Daviess, accompanied by one 
of his neighb(»i-s, named John Henderson, went up to 
the \illage for the pur|)ose of making the Indians some 
presents, and thereby retain their good will. But on 
arriving at the village, they found it deserted, and no 
Indians vu\i\d be discovered in the vicinity, so they 



INDIAN CREEK SETTLEMENT. loT 

started lioiiiewards. On rlieir return liome, iLii;-lit oxei'- 
took them. an<l in the darkness they lost their way. 
consequently they were obliged to lay out all nig;ht. 
Daviess not returning at night as was expected, his 
family believed that he had been murdered by the 
Indians, and the next morning, before it was light, they 
left for the fort at Ottawa. When Daviess came hoine 
and lound his taniily gone, he f(jllowed after and over- 
took them in their tlight, causing the fugitives to return 
again to their home. On their way homeward, they 
were met 1)y the family of William Hall, who were 
also on their way to the foi't, l)ut tlu'ongh the persnasioii 
of Mr. Daviess, they returned with him to his house. 

William Hall, who is referred to in a previous C'ha})ter 
of this story, had a short time before sold his claim, 
M'here La Moille now stands, to Aaron Gunn, and with 
hi- family moved to Indian creek. He had been at his 
new home but a few weeks, having made claims for 
himself and sons, and was engaged in building a cabin 
when the war broke out. 

Mr, Pettigrew had a claim in the neighborhood, and 
with his family, had been two days in the fort at Ottawa. 
Believing that there Wiis no danger of Indian depreda- 
tions, he returned to Daviess' house, about noon on the 
day of the massacre. Two young men, Robert Norris 
and Henry George, were at Daviess" house at the time 
of the massacre. The former lived with Mr. Hender- 
son, a neighbor, and was at the blacksmith sho]> at th.e 
time, in order to have some work done. The latter. 



188 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

Ileiirv Geoix^i belonged to the Bureau settlement, 
owned a claim, and had built a cabin on the present 
site of Bureau Junction. He was at the time on a 
visit to Hall's family, 'and gossip said that he was 
courting one of his daughters. Mr. Phillips, a mill- 
wright by trade, who was engaged in building a mill 
for Daviess, with his wife and child, were among the 
victims. Both Daviess and Hall had grown up sons, 
and with the other visitors at the house, they considered 
themselves of sutficient strength to repel an attack of 
the Indians. 

On the morning of the latal day, Shaubena, with his 
pony in a foam of sweat from excessive traveling, called 
at Daviess' house, and told the inmates that a band of 
hostile Indians had been for some days on Bureau, and 
(^u the evening before they were seen crossing the 
prairie in the direction of Indian creek timber. On 
receiving this information. Hall was in favor of leaving 
immediately for Ottawa, but Daviess, who was a very 
resolute man, opposed it, saying that he did not fear 
the Indians, and that no red skin could drive him away 
from home. 

INDIANS LEAVE BUREAU FOR INDIAN CREEK. 

After the nnu-der of Sample and wife, as narrated in 
a previous cliai)ter, the Indians broke up their camp at 
the Knox spring, and left for Indian creek settlement, 
Girty dressed in Sample's clothes, and mounted on his 
horse, with the scalp of Mrs. Sample suspended from 
liis neck, considering himself ''The Big Injun." On 



THE MASSACRE. 189 

an-i\ing at the Indian creek settlement, they secreted 
themselves in the thick timber, and from here they sent 
out spies in varions directions, to make discoveries. 
One of these spies visited the residence of Mr. Daviess, 
and by crawling on his hands and knees through the 
underbrush, he came close to the house, so that he 
learned the number of inmates, as well as their means- 
of defense. On returning to his comrades, and re- 
j)orting his discovery, tlie Indians mounted their ponies, 
and followed down the creek timber, until they came 
within (»iie mile of Daviess' cabin. Here, in the thii-k 
timber they dismounted, tying their ponies to trees, 
and then proceeded on foot, in order to carry out their 
murderous designs; being conducted by two Pottawa- 
miQ Indians, who were raised on Indian creek, and wlio 
were well ac(juainted with the surroundings of the 
house. Tliese Indians led the attacking party witli 
great caution, crawling along under the creek bank, 
until they approached within a few rods of the house, 
without being discovered by their victims. 

THE MASSACRE.* 

It was about four o'clock in the afternoon of Mav 



* Shaubena, in conversation with ihe writer, stated that the depre- 
dations on Indian creek and Fox river, were committed by Indians 
wlio belonged on Bureau. In this Inind were a few Sacs and Foxes, 
with two warriors belonging to Shaubena's band, one of whom was 
his own brother-in-law. Indian chiefs, whom the writer met in 
Wasliington, made the same statement, and it is also confirmed by the 
two Miss Halls, who says that most of the Indians at the massacre 
wei-e Pottawatamies, two of whom they had seen before. 

The Sacs and Fox warriors conducted the captive Hall gii-ls to Black 
Hawk's camp, while the Pottawatamies continued their depredations 
in other localities. 



140 KEMINISCENOES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

2 1st. while the men were at work in tlie hUu-kmith 

shop, and the women bnsy with their lionsehold affairs. 

unconscious of danger, a dog barked, and on h)oking 

out at the door, about seventy Indians, with painted 

faces, were seen entering the door yard. Mi-. Petti - 

grew, wlio was in the house, attempted to shut the 

(h3or, but was shot down while in the act of doing so. 

Part of tlie Indians rushed into the house, killing the 

women and children with their tomahawks and scalping 

knives, while the others, with deafening veils, attacked 

the men at the blacksmith shop. The assault was so 

sudden, that the men were unprepared to make a 

successful defense ; altliough they had their guns with 

them, there was not sutiicient time for their use, as the 

savages were among them in a moment, using their 

guns and tomahawks on their victims. William Hall 

was shot down instantly; Robert Ncjrris had grabbed 

his gun, and was in the act of shooting, when he too 

was killed. William Daviess, who was a large, resolute 

man, defended himself for some time, nsing the breech 

of his gun over the heads of the savages, bending the 

ban-el in the struggle, but was at last overpowered and 

killed. Blood and hair were found on Daviess's gun 

barrel, and the ground where his remains lay showed 

till' marks of a desperate struggle. Near by was a ])ool 

of blood, where an Indian was thought to have been 

killed, and carried away l)y his comrades, Henry 

George jumped into the mill pond, but was shot while 

switnming across it. One of Daviess' sons, a lad uf 



THE MASSACRE. 141 

tburteeu, was caught by an Indian, while crossing the 
mill dam, tomahawked, and his remains thrown into 
tlie water. Juiui W., a son of William Hall, ran and 
jumped off the creek bank, as many shots were 
tired at him. By keeping close under the bank of 
the creek, out of their sight, he succeeded in making 
his escape. Three young men, Edward and Greenberry 
Hall, and a sou of Mr. Da\'iess, were at work in the 
field ; but on seeing the Indians killing their people, 
they unhitched their oxen from the plow, and lied with 
all haste for Ottawa, which place they reached in safety. 
When the Indians entered Daviess' house, they with 
liendish yells commenced killing the inmates ; some 
were shot down, others dispatched with knives, spears 
<»r tomahawks. Mrs. Phillips was found with her 
iiitant clasped in her arms, both having their heads 
split open by a tomahawk, and were lying in their gore. 
An Indian snatched an infant out of its mother's arms, 
and knocked its brains out against the door frame. 
Sylvia and Rachel Hall, and Miss Daviess, jumped on 
a bed in order to escape the tomahawk of the Indians. 
Miss Daviess was innnediately shot, while Rachel 
Hall's face was so close to the muzzle of the gun as to 
burn it to a blister. The Indians afterwards told, with 
infernal glee, how the women and children squawked 
like ducks, when they felt the cold steel pierce their 
bodies. 

A short distance from Daviess' cabin lived two fami- 
lies, by the name of Henderson, grandfather and uncle 



142 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

of Gen. Henderson, of Princeton. Two days before 
the massacre, they were notified <»f tlieir danger l>y 
Shanbena, and had taken tlieir women and children to 
the fort at Ottawa, while the men retnrned to work on 
their claims. On hearing the tiring of guns at Daviess' 
cabin, and knowing that the Indians were murdering 
rlicir friends, they hurried to their assistance, but on 
seeing the strength of the attacking party, they kneA\- 
that assistance would be useless, and only throwing 
away their own lives, so they turned back and fled for 
Ottawa. 



FIFTEEN PERSONS KILLED, TWO GIRLS CAPTURED. 

After the Indians had completed their work of 
horror, leaving fifteen dead l>odies scalped and dreadfully 
mutilated, they returned to the place where they had 
left their ponies. They took with them a numljer of 
horses, which belonged to the murdered families ; also 
clothing, provisions, and everything they could use. 
Tliey shot horses, cattle, and hogs; even chickens in 
the 1 )arn yard did not escape their fury. Two daughters 
of Mr. Hall, Sylvia, aged eighteen, and Rachel, aged 
fourteen, were taken prisoners, and carried off into the 
Indian country. 

When the massacre was completed, four Indians took 
hold of the girls, one holding on to each arm, and 
hm-ried them off as fast as possible, through the woods, 
to where their ponies were tied. Here the Indians had 



KILLED AND CAPTURED. 143 

collected together, and over the prisoners they held a 
council to decide about the (lis])Osition of them. Girty 
was in favor of killing the girls on the spot, and thereby 
-ave tlie trouble of taking them to Black Hawk's camp, 
which was about ninety miles distant. But the M'ill of 
Gii'tv was overruled l)y a majoritv of the warriors, who 
liad in view, no doubt, the large reward that would be 
j>aid for their ransouL The girls were placed on 
horses, Sylvia on one which belonged to her father, and 
Rachel on a gray horse, that was owned by one of the 
Hendersons, and had been rode to the blacksmith shop 
by Robert Norris, a few moments before the massacre. 
Two Indians rode by the side of the girls, holding the 
reins of their horses to prevent their escape; and in this 
position they galloped away. 

A son of Mr. Daviess, named James, a lad seven or 
eight years of age, was taken prisoner witli the Hall 
girls. But after going a short distance throuo-h the 
woods, in the direction of their ponies, the boy gave 
out, not being able to travel so fast as the rest of tlie 
party, and the two IndiaiLs who had him in charge, 
made him stand up to be shot. Little Jimmy, as he 
was called, pale as death, stood Hke a marble statue, 
without moving a muscle, to receive the fatal shot. 
While the boy was still struggling in the agonies of 
death, the savages took otf his scalp, leaving the body 
where it fell, to be devoured hy wolves. 

Two days after the massacre, a company of rangers, 
many of whom belonged to Bureau settlement, went to 



144 REMINISCENCES OF BUKEAU COUNTY, 

Indian creek to bury the dead. All the bodies of the 
victims were Ibiind, and buried, except that of little 
Jinimv, the fate of which was not known until some 
time afterwards. 



SHERIFF WALKER 8 TWO INDIAN PRISONERS. 

Next spring, after the Black Hawk war, two Potta- 
wataraie Indians were charged with taking part in the 
Indian creek massacre, and were indicted for murder by 
the Circuit Court of La Salle county. Sylvia and 
Rachel Hall testilled that they knew these Indians 
having been to their house before the war, and proposed 
buying them of their father. These Indians were 
arrested, and bound over to court; but the time of 
holding court having been changed, the prisonei's, 
thinking that they would not be wanted, went west 
with their band. George E. Walker, an Indian trader, 
was at that time sheriff of La Salle county, and he, 
with others, was security for the appearance of these 
Indians. Walker went alone in search of the prisoners, 
and found them west of the Mississippi, far out in the 
Indian country. A council of chiefs was called, and it 
was decided that the accused Indians should accompany 
Walker to Ottawa, to stand their trial for murder. The 
Indians bade farewell to their friends, believing that 
they would be executed upon their arrival at Ottawa, 
and to all aj)pearance were reconciled to their fate. 
For many days the sheriff", with his prisoners, traveled 



8HEKIFF walker's TWO INDIAN PRISONERS. 145 

through an Indian conntrv, camping out at niglit, and 
all sleeping together. Sometimes the Indians would 
go off on a hunt, in order to supply the camp with 
provisions, and could ha^'e made tlieir escape at any 
time, but they had pledged theii* honor to give them- 
selves up at Ottawa, and not even the preservation of 
their lives, could induce them to forfeit this pledge. 

As Sheriff Walker was returning with his prisonert;. 
lie was met on West Bureau by Peter Demott, an old 
pioneer hunter. The party was traveling on the Sacs 
and Fox ti-ail, mounte<l on Indian ponies, and carrying 
guns on their shoulders, — the sheriff leading the way. 
and followed by the Indians in single file. Demott 
recognized one of these Indians as an old friend, with 
v^•hom he had hunted on Green river two years before. 

This Indian appeared dejected in spirits, saying that 
he was going to Ottawa to die, expressing himself 
willing to be shot like a brave, but disliked the idea of 
being hung by the neck, like a dog. 

Court came on, and the Indians were tried, but 
having their faces painted in such a way that the Hall 
girls could not swear positively to their identity, conse- 
ipiently they were acquitted, and allowed to return to 
their friends. 



CHAPTER XVf. 



CAPTIVITY OF SYLVIA AND KACHEL HALL. 

The following account of the captivity of the two 
Miss Halls, was principally taken from statements made 
to tlie writer by one of the captives, (Rachel Hall), a sliort 
time after the Black Hawk war. Althouo-h this account 
differs in many particulars from others heretofore pub- 
lished, it will, nevertheless, be found correct in the main. 
It is given in language as though narrated by the 
captive, and in some instances her own words are used : 

After being placed on horseback, and guarded by two 
Indians, who rode by our side, holding on to the reins 
of the bridles, ;is narrated in the preceding chapter, we 
commenced our long, tedious journey. We rode most 
of the time on a canter, and the Indians frecpiently 
looked back, as though they w^ere afraid of being 
followed by the rangers, who were at that time roaming 
through the country. We continued to travel at a 
rapid rate, until near midnight, when we halted to rest 
our liorses. After restinii,' aliout two hours, we continued 



CAPTIVJTY OF S'NLVIA AND EA( HI L H/LL. 147 

tdir juuniey, traveling all night, and next day nntil 
noon, when we again halted. Here onr captors turned 
out their horses to graze, built a lire, scalded some beans, 
and roasted some acorns, of whicli they offered us some 
to eat, but we declined tasting. We remained in 
camp a few hours ; diu-ing that time the Indians were 
engaged in dressing the scalps, by stretching them on 
small willow hoops. Among these scalps I recognized 
my mother's, by the bright color of the hair — the sight 
of this produced in me a faintness, and I fell to the 
ground in a swoon, from which I was soon after aroused, 
in order to continue our journey. Aftei" lea\ing the 
camp we traveled more leisurely than before, until 
about nine o'clock at night, we reached the camp of 
Black Hawk, after liaving rode near ninety miles in 
twenty-eight hours. 

We found the Indian camp on the l)ank of a creek, 
smTounded by marshy ground, over which were scat- 
tered burr oak trees, being, as we afterwards learned, 
near the Four Lakes, (now Madison City, Wisconsin). 
On our arrival in camp, a number of scpiaws came to 
our assistance, taking us from oiir horses, and conductfMl 
us into a wigwam. These squaws were very kind to 
ns, and gave us some pai'ched corn and maple sugar to 
eat, it being the iirst food that we had tasted since our 
captivity. 

Our arrival in camp caused great rejoicing among the 
Indians. A large body of warriors collected around us, 
beating on drums, dancing and yelling, at the top of 



148 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

their voice. Next moi-ning our feai- of massacre or 
torture had somewhat subsided, aud we were presented 
with beans and maple sugar for breakfast. Thej also 
offered us coffee to eat, which had been taken out of 
Daviess' house, not knowing that it required to be 
('round and boiled before beino' used. About ten 
o'clock, the camp was broken up, and we moved five or 
six miles, crossing a creek, and encamped on high 
ground, which was covered with timber. We were 
]jrovided with horses to ride, and behind us was packed 
camp equipage, which consisted of tents, kettles, pro- 
visions, &c. On arriving at our new camp, a wdnte 
birch pole was stuck into the ground, on which were 
hung the scalps of our murdered friends, being exhibited 
here as trophies of war. About fifty warriors, who 
were divested of clothing, and their faces painted red, 
danced around this pole to the music of drums and 
rattling gourds. Everj day during our sta}' with the 
Indians, this pole containing the scalps was erected, 
and the dance repeated. 

One morning, a party of warriors came to our lodge, 
and took us out, placing in our hands small red flags, 
and made us march around the encampment with them, 
stopping and waving the flags at the door of each wig- 
wam. After this we were taken to the dance ground, by 
the side of the white pole containing the scalps, and by 
the side of which a blanket was spread. After painting 
our faces, one half red, and the other black, we were 
made to lay down on the blanket, with our faces to the 



CAPTIVITY OF SYLVIA AND RACHEL HALL. 141* 

groiiiid. The warriors tlieti eoniineiieed dancing aroinid 
us, flourishing their tomahawks and war clubs over our 
heads, and yelling like demons. We now thought our 
time had come, and we quietly awaited our fate, 
expecting every moment to be our last. When the 
dance was over, we were taken away by twT> squaws, who 
we understood to be the wives of Black Hawk. By 
these squaws we were adopted as their children ; 
although separated, we were allowed to visit each other 
frequently, Eacli day our camp was moved a few 
miles, always traveling in a circular route. Along the 
trail, at short intervals, the Indians would erect poles, 
with tufts of grass tied on one side, showing to the 
hunters in what direction the camp could be found. 
Our fears of massacre had entirely disappeared, being 
adopted into the tamilies of these squawks, not being 
required to do any w^ork, but watched closely in order 
to prevent our escape. 

Some days after our arrival in Black Hawk's camj). 
we were told that we must go with tW'O Winnebago 
chiefs, who had come for us. The squaws with whom 
we lived, were greatly distressed at the thought of 
parting with us. The Winnebago chiefs tried to make 
us understand that they were about to take us to white 
people, but we did not believe them. Thinking that 
they intended to take us further from home and friends, 
we climg to the squaws, and refused to go. Contrary 
to our wish, we were placed on horses, behind each of 
the chiefs, and with us they galloped away, traveling 



150 REMINISCENCES OF BUREA.U COUNTY. 

twenty miles that same iiiglit. Tlie cliiefs said that 
they were afraid of being followed by some of the Sacs 
and Foxes, who were displeased at our departure. Every 
few moments the cliiefs would look back to see if they 
were pursued, then whip their ponies again into a 
gallop. Some time after dark, we arrived at the Win- 
nebago camp, where we remained over night. Early 
next morning we continned our journey, traveling all 
day, when we arrived at an encampment on the l)ank 
of Wisconsin river, where there were al)Out one hundred 
warriors. During next day a party of Sac Indians, 
<lressed in the clothes of murdered white men, came 
into camp. These Indians commenced talking to us, 
but the Winnebago chiefs told us to turn away from 
tliem, and not listen to what they said, which we did. 

It was afterwards ascertained that a petty chief, who 
had captured the girls, was off on a hunt at the time 
they were given up to the Winnebago chiefs, and not 
receiving his portion of the ransom, immediately started 
with a party of warriors to retake them, or kill them 
in the attempt. Tliese warriors did not overtake the 
girls until they arrived safe at the Winnebago camp. 

One of the chiefs asked us if we thought the whites 
would hang them if they took us to the fort, to which 
we replied they would not, but wcndd give you man\- 
presents for your trouble. Next morning the two 
chiefs who had us in charge, accompanied ])y about 
thirty warriors, started witli us. Crossing the river, we 
traveled southward all day until after dark, when we 



CAPTURE OF SYLVIA AND RACHEL HALL. 151 

camped for the iiiglit. Early next morning, as soon as 
it was light, we continued our journey, and in the 
afternoon we reached the fort, at Blue Mounds. Before 
our ari'ival thither, we were convinced that our pro- 
tectors were taking us to our fi-iends, and we had done 
them great injustice. About three miles from the fort, 
we came to a halt, and the Indians cooked some venison, 
and we all set down on the ground and eat it. After 
dinner, one ot the Indians took a white handkerchief 
which I wore on my head, tied it on a pole, and pro- 
ceeded to the fort. We followed after this Indian 
until we came within a half-mile of tlie fort, when we 
were met by a Frenchman, on horseback. The Indians 
formed a circle, and the Frenchman rode into it, and 
had a talk with them. Tlie chiefs were unwilling to 
give us up until they had seen Mr. Gratiot, the Indian 
agent, who was then absent. After being assured by 
the Frenchman that we would be well treated until Mr. 
Gratiot's return, we were delivered up to tlie French- 
man, and taken to the fort. 

A few days after the capture of the two Miss Halls, 
their oldest brother, John W. Hall, went with a regi- 
ment of volunteers, marching from Fort Wilburn north 
to join the army in pursuit of Black Hawk. On 
arriving at the lead mines, and informing Mr. Gratiot 
and Gen, Dodge of his sisters' captivity, Mr. Gratiot 
employed two friendly Winnebago chiefs, named 
Whirling Thunder and Fit-o-poo, to buy the prisoners 



152 KEMINI8CEN0ES OF BUREAU COUJSTTY, 

t'rom the Sacs and Foxes ; and the chiefs left for Black 
Hawk's camp, on their mission of mercy. 

It was agreed that the prisoners should be delivered 
up on the payment of two thousand dollars in cash and 
forty horses, besides a large number of blankets, beads, 
vfec. After buying the girls, a difhculty arose, which 
came nigh defeating their plans. A young chief claimed 
Rachel as his prize, intending to make her his wife, 
and was unwilling to give her up, saying that he would 
tomahawk her rather than let her go. The matter was 
tinally compromised, by giving him ten additional 
horses; luit on parting with her he drew forth his 
scalping knife and cut off a lock of her hair, to keep 
as a trophy of his warlike exploit, 

A short time after this affair. Major, now Colonel 
Dement, of Dixon, while in command of a spy bat- 
talion, was attacked by a large body of Indians at 
Buffalo Grove. The troops retreated into a block 
house, where they held the Indians at bay. A young 
chief, while leading his warriors forward to storm the 
block house, was shot by the Rev, Zadoch Casey, who 
was afterwards Lieutenant Governor of Illinois. On 
the head of this young chief was a wreath of laurels in 
acknowledgment of liis bravery, and around his neck was 
lock of braided liair, which was afterwards found to be 
the same taken from the head of Rachel Hall. 

When the girls arrived at the fort, their clothes were 
torn almost into rags, and having no protection 



CAPTURE OF SYLVIA AND RACHEL HALL. 153 

tor tlieii* heads except handkerchiefs, thev were ])adly 
sunhiirned. The women at the fort fiirnislied the ijii'ls 
with clothes, and they were greatly rejoiced to meet 
their hrother, John "W., whom they supposed was killed 
at the time of their captivity. 

An account of the captivity of these girls was 
iieralded throughout the United States, and there was 
great rejoicing at their rescue. The girls were much 
lionized hy the people at the fort, and received from 
them many presents. Nicholas Smith, now of West 
Bureau, being engaged in teaming for the array, took 
the girls in his wagon, and carried them to a fort neai- 
Galena, at which point they were put on board of the 
steamboat Winnebago, and carried to St. Louis, where 
they were recei^'ed and entertained by Gov\ Clark. 
While at St. Louis they were met by the Rev. Erastus 
Horn, an old friend of their father, who frerpiently 
j)reached on Bureau while president of the Protestant 
Methodist Church. Mr. Horn took the girls to his 
lu^me, in Morgan county, and acted the part of a father 
to them. Soon after, their brother John W., married 
and settled on the Seaton place, now in the town of 
Selby, and the girls came and lived with him. The 
legislature gave them a quarter section of canal land 
at Joliet. Congress also voted them money as a 
donation. 

Sylvia married the Rev. William Horn, a son of their 
protector, and now lives at Lincoln, JS^ebraska. Rachel 
married William Munson, and moved to Freehold, 
La Salle county, at which place she died a few months 

^go- 
Rachel Hall, at the time of her captivity, was sixteen 

years of age instead of fourteen, as previously stated. 



CHAPTER XVIf. 



GIBTY S BAND VISIT FOX RIVEK SETTLEMENT. 

Shaubena had sent his nephew, a young brave by 
the name of Pyps, to Fox river settlement to warn the 
settlers of their danger.* On being notiiied of their 
danger, George Hollenback, Mr. Ackley, Mr. Hari'i??, 
and others, left innnediately for a place of safety. Mr. 
Hollenback, with his family, left in a wagon; but Mr, 
Ackley, having no wagon, himself, wife and two 
children, fled on horseback. It was about sundown when 
the settlers fled from their cabins, and made their way 
across the prairie, in the direction of Plainfleld. After 

♦For this act of kindness in giving notice to the settlers, young 
Pyps lost his life at the hands of those savages who were robbed of 
their victims. Those who have visited Sliaubena's camp, must have 
noticed two j'oung Indians of remarkably fine appearance, and whose 
physiognomy showed more than ordinary inteUect. One of these 
young Indians was Pyps, a nephew, and the other Pyp-a-gee, a son of 
Shaubena,— the latter known among the settlers by the name of Bill 
Shaubena. Pyp-a-gee liad a great desire to marry a white squaw, as he 
termed it ; for that purpose he frequently visited the cabins of settlers 
and on diflerent occasions attempted to make love to wliite girls. 

In the fall of 1,S:56, Pyps and Pyp-a-gee went west with their banil, 
and soon afterwards these noble noung Indians were hunted down 
and shot like wild beasts, by those savages who were prevented liy 
them from murdering the settlers of Fox river and Bureau. 



gikty's band visit fox kivee settlement. 155 

going al)out one mile, Hollenback's wagon stuck fast 
in a sloiigli, and he went back to his house to get a pair 
of double-trees, so that Ackley's horses could he hitched 
I >n to the end of the wagon tongue. It was quite dark 
when Hollenback reached his house, and as he came nigh 
he saw a bright light shining through the cracks in the 
clapboard door. A moment afterwards a person was 
seen coming out of the house, with a blazing torch in 
his hand, the light of which showed that the door yard 
WRS full of Indians. Mr, Hollenback being within a 
few yards of the Indians, was discovered by them, and 
he lied at the top of his speed, folloAved by the savages, 
yelling at the top of their voice ; but being smart on 
foot, and acquainted with the ground, he succeeded in 
making his escape. Mr, Hollenback, in his flight, lost 
his reckoning, and after rambling about for some time, 
he came to the house of his brother, Clark Hollenback. 
As he came nigh the house, he saw three men approach 
it on horseback; not knowing whether they were 
friends or foes, he secreted himself so as to watch theii- 
movements. These three men proved to be Kellogg, 
Cummings, and Holderman, settlers at Ilolderman's 
Grove, who had heard of Indians being seen in the 
settlement, and had come to Clark Hollenback's, (who 
\vas an Indian trader), to inquire about it. As the men 
I'ude up to the house, they holloed, when they were 
answered by some seventy shots from the Indians, who 
were lying in ambush. Although at short range, their 
shots took no effect on the party, except slightly 



156 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

wounding one of their horses. On receiving the tire, 
they wheeled their horses about and tied, foUowed bj 
the Indians, wlio were on foot. The Indians in pursuit 
of the fugitives, passed within a few feet of where 
Hollenback was lying, bat in their anxiety to capture 
their prey, did not discover him. 

It has ah'eady been stated tliat the Anient family 
settled at Red Oak Grove, in the spring of 1828; and 
with one exception, they were the first settlers of this 
county. About two years afterward, John L. and Justus 
Ament built cabins on Bureau, while Edward, with his 
mother and younger brothers, went to Fox river. Soon 
after going there, Edwaitl married a daughter of Mr. 
Harris, above referred to, and old Mr. Com])s, Mrs. 
Harris's father, was living with them. When the 
settlers were notiiied of their danger by young Pyps, 
as previously stated, Mr. Harris and his two sons were 
off hunting their liorses, which had strayed away the 
day before; and the tamily had no means of escape 
except on foot. At that time, old Mr. Combs M'as 
confined to his bed with inflammatory rheumatism, and 
was therefore left behind. The family regretted to 
leave him, Init the old mail's reply was, "Flee for 
your lives, and leave me to my fate ; I am an old man, 
and can live but a' short time at any rate." Soon after 
the family left, a party of Indians entered the house, 
and instead of killing Mr. Coml>s, as might have been 
expected, they administered t(j his wants, and for nearly 
a week they visited him daily, supplying him with food 



ADAM PAINE, THE MISSIONARY. 157 

and drink, as though he was their friend. Some days 
atterwards, a company of rangers visited Harris's cabin, 
where they found old Mr. Combs, much improved in 
health, and they took him with them to Plainfield, and 
from there to Chicago, where his friends had previously 
tied. 

ADAM PAINE, THE MISSIONARY. 

The Rev. Adam Paine, a missionary among the 
Indians, whom we introduced at the commencement of 
this story, had been stopping two days in Chicago, on 
his return from Ohio. At that time the commander of 
Fort Dearborn was pressing horses, in order to mount 
part of the garrison as rangers. Paine having a horse, 
which he prized very highly on account of his good 
(jualities, was afraid of its falling into the hands of the 
government, and to avoid it he left Chicago for the 
home of his brother Aaron, who lived near Hennepin. 
Paine was warned of the danger of traveling through 
a country which was in the possession of savages, but 
he believed the Indians would not molest him, as he 
had been preaching among them for many years, and. 
was known by most of them as Buzee, Cha-mo-co-manj 
which means a hairy white man. 

On the morning that the Eev. Adam Paine left 
Chicago, he mounted a store box which was standing 
at the further end of the military parade ground, (now 
the corner of Water street and Michigan Avenue), and 
commenced singing a hymn. His loud and musical 



158 REMINISCENCES OF BUEEA.U COUNTY. 

voice soon brought forth a large crowd of listeners, 
including most of the people then living in Chicago, 
and for about two hours they were held spell bound bv 
the eloquence of the speaker. This was Paine's last 
sermon, and it is described by an eye-witness as ex- 
ceeding in eloquence and power an^'thing that he liad 
ever Ijefore heard. The whole audience, consisting of 
traders, soldiers, citizens, and Indians, at the conclusion 
(^f the sermon were left in tears. 

About six weeks previous to the Indian war, the 
writer heard Paine preach to a large audience, on tlie 
public square of a tow^n in Ohio, and his peculiar appear- 
ance formed a picture in his then youthful imagination 
which never can be erased. His long wavy beard, as 
black as a coal, reached to his waist, and covered his 
Ijreast, while the hair of his head, equally long, hung 
down over his back, together with his high, marble- 
like forehead, and tall, manly form, gave to him a very 
imposing appearance. His words and manner of 
address had a magic effect on his hearers, and a number 
of hardened sinners were converted under his preaching. 
Although nearly forty years have passed away since 
hearing Paine preach, his sermon is as fresh in the 
mind of the writer as though it was only delivered yes- 
terday. 

MDRDEK OF ADAM PAINE. 

It was about two o'clock in the afternoon of a bright 
May day, as the Rev. Adam Paine was slowly pursuing 



MURDER OF ADAM PAINE. 159 

his way along an Indian trail, and through a grove of 
timber, humming a favorite tune, unconscious of 
danger, when all of a sudden the report of guns were 
heard, and on looking around, he saw three Indians 
approaching him with uplifted tomahawks, while yelling 
at the top of their voice. One of the balls had entered 
Paine's shoulder, and another had pierced the lungs of 
his horse. The horse was put into the gallop, and for a 
time was fast leaving the Indians behind. But from loss 
of blood the horse soon stopped, staggered and fell dead. 
In a moment the savages, with deafening yells, and 
uplifted tomahawks came up with him ; Paine, with his 
bil)le in one liand, and the other pointing heavenward, 
appealed to the Indians for mercy. Two of them 
moved by this appeal, lowered their tomahawks, saying 
that his life should be spared, but the third one coming 
up behind, struck him on the head, and he fell to the 
ground, and expired in a few moments. 

One of the Indians cut off Paine's head, and taking 
the beard, which was about two feet in length, in his 
hands, throwing the head over his shoulders, and in 
this way it was carried into camp. The Indians were 
greatly delighted with their trophy, and they placed the 
head on a pole, around which they commenced to dance. 

Girty, with some twenty other ^varriors, were at that 
time off on a scout, and on returning to camp they found 
tlieir comrades rejoicing over their late success. This 
was food for their savage nature, and imbibing the spirit 
of the other warriors, they too took part in this barbarous 



160 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

exercise. Around the pole they danced and jelled, and 
veiled and danced, while the woods rang with their wild 
whoops, the sound of which were re-echoed back from 
the surrounding bluffs. Girty had supposed the head 
on the pole to be that of a woman, mistaking the long 
beard for the hair of the head. But on making an 
examination, he recognized the head of Adam Paine, 
his old friend, with whom he had traveled years before. 
On making this discovery nothing could exceed the 
grief of Girty ; with loud sighs and groans he beat his 
breast wdth his hands, and for a few moments gave 
himself up to feelings of remorse, then grasping his 
tomahawk he was about to slay the murderer of his 
friend, but was prevented from doing so by the inter- 
ference of the other warriors. 

Girty ordered the head of Paine taken down from 
tlie pole, and with the body buried on a knoll near 
where the murder was committed, and over the grave 
he burned a sacrifice, which consisted of his most valu- 
a!»le articles, in order to appease the wrath of the Great 
Spirit. 

The murder of Paine was at the time heralded by 
newspapers throughout the Union, as he had been 
known to be the leading spirit among the missionaries 
<»f the west, and for his death a missionary paper of 
Bot^ton appeared in mourning.* His brother Aaron. 



* The accounts relating to the murder and buriiil of the Rev. Adam 
Paine are contradictory, and all eflforts of the writer to harmoniz* 
tliem have been a failure. One account says Paine's family, at the 
commencement of the war, was living at Holderman's (Jrove, and 



MURDER OF ADAM PAINE, IBl 

who lived east of Hennepin, on receiving the sad news, 
aUliongh a man of wealth and a minister of the gospel, 
left evervthino- to aveni>-e his death, — shoulderino' his 
gun, and serving as a soldier in a company of voliuiteers. 
While in pursuit of Black Hawk, he was shot in the 
shoulder l)v a small Indian boy, and from this wound 
he still remains a crip])le. Paine with others of his 
company, wdiile pursuing the retreating Indians came 
up with a squaw and a small boy, who had crouched 
behind a fallen tree, l)ut they passed by without mo- 
lesting them. After the rangers had passed, the boy 
raised his rifle, and shot Paine from his horse ; and in 
return, the boy and the squaw were riddled with balls. 
Paine w^as thought to be mortally w^ounded ; and when 
intelligence of his fall reached his family, they mourned 
for his death. A1)out three months after this event, 
Paine, pale, and emaciated, rode up to his cabin door, 
and was hailed by his family and friends as one risen 
from the dead. 

Aaron Paine is now living in Oregon, and for a 
number of years has been a member of the legislature 
of that new state. 



with others, fled to Ottawa for protection. Paine being on his way to 
Ottawa, stopped at Plainfleld on the day that the block house was 
abandoned, and the settlers fled to Chicago. The people tried to prevail 
on Paine to accompany them to Chicago; Imt Ijelieving that the 
Indiaus would not molest him, continued on liis way. Six days after 
Paine disappeared, Gerton S. Hubbard, in command of a company of 
Col. Moore's rangers, found a dead body on the prairie, near Holder- 
man's Grove, and some distance off" the head was found stuck on a 
pole. These remains were thought at the time to be those of Adam 
Paine, as they answered his description, having long, black beard. But 
it is now believed that tiie body found by the rangers was that of a 
Dunkard, who lived in Fulton county, being on his way home from 
Chicago, but never reached it. The body found and buried by Hub- 
bard's company of rangers, answers the description of the missing 
Dunkard, as well as that of Adam Paine, which makes it quite proba- 
ble that it was his remains, and the Indian traditi<m in relation to the 
burial of Paine as correct. 



CHAPTER XVIII. 



BEARER OF THE GOVERNOR S DISPATCH. 

As the Indians \vei"e returning to Bureau from the 
Indian creek settlement, they stopped at Lost Grove, 
for a few hours, in order to rest their ponies and prepare 
their dinner. They were encamped in the thiols timber 
near the center of the grove, while two of their number 
were stationed as sentinels at the edge of the prairie. 
While here on the lookout, they discovered a lone 
traveler going in the direction of the Illinois river, 
Notice was given to the band, when they all mounted 
their ponies, and started in pursuit. But on arriving 
at the head of the grove, they tVjund the traveler far in 
advance, and mounted as he was, on a fleet horse, wliieh 
would without doubt far outstrip their ponies, they 
abandoned furtlier pursuit. 

The lone traveler, above alluded to, was a lad of about 
■fifteen years of age, by the name of Joseph Smith, a 
son of Dad Joe, who has been referred to in a previous 
chapter of our story. This lad was a bearer of a 



BEARER OF THE GOVERNOR'S DISPATCH. 163 

dispatch from Gov. KejTiolds, then at Dixon's ferry, to 
tlie commander of vohmteers at Fort Wilburn, a 
temporary fortification which was located on tlie Illinois 
river, opposite Peru. The Governor found great 
difficulty in getting this dispatch carried, as the country 
was thought to be full of hostile savages ; even veteran 
soldiers, who made war their profession, could not be 
induced to undertake this perilous journey. But this 
boy alone and unarmed, without any road, traveled 
forty-live miles through an unsettled country, regardless 
of danger, and accomplished the journey without being 
molested. Before sundown that same day the Gov- 
ernor's dispatch was safely delivered to the proper 
officer, when the soldiers at the fort swung their hats, 
giving three cheers to its bearer. Gov. Reynolds has 
frequently been heard to speak of this affair as one of 
the most heroic exploits of the Black Hawk war.* 

GIRTY AND HIS BAND RETURN TO BUREAU. 

After the Indian creek massacre, and the attack on 
Fox river settlement, the Indians returned to Bureau, 
with the intention of burning the houses, and killing 
the stock belonging to the settlers. But on tlieir return 
here they were met by a runner from Black Hawk, 
instructing them to remain on the frontier settlements, 

*Aii incident in connection with tliis aflfair, showing the terror 
existing among the people on acconnt of Indian depredations, is 
desci'ibed by an eye-witness : A few days previous to tlais affair, fifteen 
persons were liilled on Indian creeli; Mr. Durley, Mr. Winter, Squire 
Holly, with many others, were known to have fallen victims to the 



164 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

in order to pick off the settlers as tliey returned to look 
after their property. Accordingly, they secreted them- 
selves in the thick timber on Main Bureau, about four 
miles north of Princeton, and from this place they sent 
out small guerilla bands in various directions in search 
of victims. 

John Hall and William Hoskins, accompanied by 
two hired men, left the fort east of Hennepin, and 
came over to their farms, to look after their crops. Mr. 
Hoskins was engaged in plowing corn, when his horse, 
on coming nigh the timber, became frightened, and 
refused to go further. He suspected that Indians were 
lying in ambush, for the purpose of shooting him ; so 
he unhitched the horse, and left the Held as quick as 
possible. Next year, after the war, an old squaw told 
Mr. Hoskins that a part}' of Indians were, at that time, 
concealed in the thick bushes, and could have shot him, 
but were afraid of alarming John Hall and his two 
hired men, who were at work in the adjoining field, 
and whom they wished to kill at the same time. Day 
after day, small squads of Indians would lay in ambush 
near cabins, or in points of timber, where people would 



savage brutality of the Indians. Col. Taylor rode through the camp, 
calling for a volunteer to carry the Governor's dispatch, but no one 
was willing to risk his life in making the perilous journey. Dad Joe, 
who was dressed in his long hunting shirt, witli a large rope tied 
around his waist, and speaking so loud as to be heard all over camp, 
said : " God bless you, Colonel , I'll have that disp.atch carried for you," 
and turning to his son, he sai<l, "Joe, put the saddle on Pat, and carry 
these papers to Fort Wilburn/' As tlie boy left on a banter. Dad Joo 
shouted to him, in a voice that could be heard for a mile distant 
saying, "Joe, keep away from the timber, out of gun sbot of Indians' 
and see that the saddle does n ot hurt Pat's back." 



INDIANS ON A SCOUT. 165 

he likely to pass. Some of the settlers, on returning 
home after the war, found places near their cabins where 
Indians had undoubtedly laid in ambush to watch their 
return. The doors of many of the cabins were broken 
open, and household goods carried off' or destroyed. 
Mounted rangers from Hennepin made frequent excur- 
sions to Bureau settlement, but they would avoid the 
timber as much as possible, so as to be out of the reach 
of gun shots from lurking; savages. The Indians used 
great caution in secreting themselves, to prevent their 
presence being known, as tins would keep the settlers 
from returning to their homes, and thereljy defeat their 
plans. During the daytime they would keep their 
ponies hobbled while feeding, and at night tie them to 
trees around their encampment. As they needed 
provisions, they would kill fat cattle or hogs, which 
belonged to the settlers, and also use grain and such 
things as they required. Chickens, turkeys and young 
pigs, appeared to be their great favorites, and the 
premises of some of the settlers were robbed ot these 
articles. 

INDIANS ON A SCOUT. 

While Girty and his band of cut throats were 
encamped on Bureau, nine of his party, who were 
ambitious to acquire fame by taking scalps, started off' 
on a scout. At the mouth of Bureau creek they found 
an old canoe, and tieing their ponies to trees, they 
crossed the river. It was near sundown, when the 



166 REMINISOENOES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

Indians landed on the east side of the river, and as tliey 
left the canoe to secrete themselves in the timber, they 
were discovered by Dr. Hays, who came running into 
town, with the utmost terror depicted in his counte- 
nance, saying, " that he saw a dozen or more Indians a 
short distance above the fort, skvdking in the woods.'' 
The presence of Indians alarmed the people very much, 
as it was thought that a large body of them were 
secreted in the timber, with the intention of attacking 
the town that night. Heniiepin, at that time, contained 
but a few log cabins, l)ut there were many families from 
Bureau and other places, who had come here for pro- 
tection, and were living in tents. Although they were 
people enough here to have held at bay half of Black 
Hawk's army, they were taken by surprise, which had 
created among them a perfect panic. 

People were seen runing hither and thither, holloing 
at the top of their voice, " Injuns, Injuns." Women, 
with babes in their arms were hurrying to and fro, 
crying and asking each person tiiey met for assistance, 
to save their little ones from the scalping knife of the 
savages. Men, w^ithont hats or coats, armed with guns, 
pitchforks, axes, &c., were seen running towards the fort. 
Williamson Durley, in his haste, left his store door 
open, but soon ran back again, taking his money, which 
consisted of seventy-eight dollars in silver, tore up one 
of the ])uncheons of the floor, and with a spade dug a 
hole in the ground and buried it. After replacing the 
puncheon in the floor, he hurried back to the fort. 



FLIGHT OE GEN. ATKINSON AND PARTY. 169 

Hooper Warren and Mr. Blaiicliard, liaving no guns, 
armed themselves with three tined pitch forks, taken 
from Durley's store, and with them were prepared to 
give the Indians a warm reception. All the able 
bodied men were on duty all night, but no Indians 
appeared. The Indians, knowing they were discovered, 
re-crossed the river as soon as it was dark, pursued 
their way southwest, and were next heard of at Boyd 
Gro^e. 



FLIGHT OF GEN. ATKINSON S PARTY. 

About the middle of June, 1832, Gen. Atkinson, 
accompanied by Gov. Reynolds and Col. Taylor,* with 
an escort of twenty-live soldiers, belonging to the 
regular army, crossed the country from Dixon's ferry 
to Fort Wilbnrn. While this i)arty w^as on the prairie, 
between Perkins' and Lost Grove, they encountered 
Capt. Willis' company of rangers. Each party mistook 



* At that time, Gen. Taylor, late President of the United States, -was 
a Colonel in the army, and commanded a regiment then quartered at 
Dixon's ferry. He accompanied Gen. Atkinson to Fort Wilburn, to 
assist in organizing the volunteers. A short time previous, Gov. 
Reynolds had issued a call for three thousand volunteers, who were to 
rendezvous at Beardstown and Hennepin, all of wliom were afterwards 
ordered to Fort Wilburn, where they were mustered into service, under 
the supervision of Gen. Atkinson. Col. Taylor met some of these 
volunteers at Hennepin, and escorted them to Fort Wilburn, where 
they remained a few days. These troops marched to Dixon's ferry, 
and the trail made by them through Bureau county, could be seen for 
years afterwards. This trail passed north of Lost Grove, through the 
south end of Perkins' Grove, and crossed the inlet at Rocky ford. 
R 



170 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

the other for Indians, and both prepared for action. 
After some maneuvering- on each side, the regulars, 
with Gren. Atkinson at their head, gave way, and were 
pursued by the rangers. The race continued for a 
number of miles across the prairie, in the direction of 
the Illinois river, both pursuers and pursued urging 
their horses forward under the whip. The rangers, 
having gained on the fugitives, discovered that they 
were soldiers, when they raised tlieir blankets, and 
blew their horns, in order to stop them. At last the 
regulars found that their pursuers were not the painted 
foe, as they had supposed, so they came to a halt, and 
sent back two of their number to reconnoitre, when 
the whole matter was explained. 

Gov. Reynolds and Col, Taylor were in camp dress, 
with rifles on their shoulders, having no distinction 
from a private soldier; but Gen. Atkinson was in full 
unilbrm, and wearing a cocked hat of the revolutionary 
pattern. Gen, Atkinson, being mounted on a fleet 
horse, which was urged forward by his sharp spurs, and 
with his sword raised above his head, was seen far in 
advance of his comrades. 

When Capt. Willis came up with Gen. Atkinson he 
rebuked him for his cowardice, which had caused all 
parties so much trouble ; and probably it was the first 
time that a commander-in-chief of the north western 
army was reproved by a militia captain. 

Capt. Willis was a resident of this county foi* a 



FLIGHT OF UEN. ATKIMSON's PARTY. 171 

uiiinLer of years, l)eing owner of a mill which was 
located on the present site of McManis' mill, and he 
lias frequently been lieard to relate this incident. In 
liis company of rangers were Judge Hoskins, John 
Hall, Charles Leeper, Michael Kitterman, James G. 
Forristall, and many others of the early settlers of this 
county. 



CHAPTER XIX. 



BOYD S GROVE. 



There is scarcely a grove or point of timber in 
Bureau county, but what is more or less identified 
with its early history. At some of these places material 
enough might be collected to form a history of its own. 
One of the most noted land marks of early days was 
Boyd's Grove, M^hich is located in the town of Milo, 
and in the south part of the county. This beautiful 
belt of timber, extending out into tlie prairie, cone- 
shaped, occupied for many years a conspicuous place on 
the State map, and it was generally known by travelers 
throughout the west. "With this grove many incidents 
are connected, some of which are so much identified 
with the early settlement of the county, as to be of 
interest to the reader. In the summer of 1828, John 
Dixon, then a resident of Peoria, built a cabin at the 
head of the grove, where Mrs. Whipple now lives, and 
soon afterwards he occupied it M'ith his family. Three 
years previous, Mr. Dixon was carrying on the tailoring 



BOi'D's GROVE. 178 

business in Springfield, when the Governor appointed 
him Eecorder, and the Circuit Judge gave him tlie 
clerlvship of the new county of Peoria, and he moved 
thither to assist in its organization. At the first 
election, Mr. Dixon was made County Clerk, Judge of 
Probate, and a Justice of the Peace, which position he 
held for some years. 

Notwithstanding Peoria county, at that time, included 
within its jurisdiction all the north part of the State, 
with Chicago and other trading posts on the lake, 
extending east as far as the Indiana State line, and west 
to the lead mines at Galena. With this vast territoi-y, 
the proceeds of these county offices only averaged 
thirty-eight cents per day. The six offices which were 
held by Mr. Dixon, did not support his family, but he 
made up the deficiency by the needle and goose, as he 
was a tailor by trade. At the present time, the holders 
of county offices give them up only when compelled 
to, but it was not so with Mr. Dixon; he readily 
exchanged them for a claim at Boyd's Grove, where he 
contented himself in cultivating the soil. 

About this time, an Indian trader at Chicago, by the 
name of Bowen, Mashed to enter into matrimonial 
bonds, and being obliged to make a trip to Peoria, a 
distance of one hundred and sixty miles, to procure the 
license, conceived the novel idea of taking the intended 
bride with him, on a wedding tour. The wedding 
party, consisting of four persons, left Chicago in a small 
trading boat, ascended the Chicago river to the portage 



174 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. | 

ill flats, which were crossed in high water into the 
Desplaines river, and down that stream and the Illinois i 
to Peoria, reaching their destination on the eighth day 
from Chicago. Mr. Dixon issned a license to these 
candidates for matrimony, and John Hamlin, then 
acting as Justice of the Peace, married them, when the 
weddiiig party returned to Chicago the same way they 
came. 

Al)out the time Mr. Dixon settled at Boyd's Grove, 
the great north and south road, connecting Peoria with 
tlie lead mines, was opened, and his cabin was made a 
place of entertainment. Mr. Dixon had a contract for 
carrying the mail from Peoria to Galena, once in two 
weeks, but this line was soon afterwards changed to a 
tri-weekly mail. In addition to farming and keeping 
tavern, Mr. Dixon spent much of his time on the road 
in the capacity of a stage driver. The travelers to and 
from the lead mines, experienced great difficulty in 
crossing Eock river, as the Indians were in possession 
of the ferry, and their only method of taking wagons 
across, was by placing two canoes together so as to 
support the wdieels. In this way they were paddled 
across, wdiile horses and cattle were made to swim 
the river. The second year after the road was opened, 
a Frenchman, In' the name of Ogee, who had a squaw 
for a wife, and a number of half-breed children, came 
in possession of this ferry, but as he was drimk most of 
the time, his accommodations were but little better 
than the Indians. In the spring of 1880, Mr. Dixon 



ORGANIZma THE MILITIA. 175 

moved to Rock river, bought out Ogee, and built a good 
ferrv boat, hence the origin of Dixon's feiTv, Mr. 
Dixon is still living in the city of Dixon, and although 
far advanced in life, he still retains much of the vigor 
of manhood. 

In April, 1830, Charles S. Boyd, having bought 
Dixon's claim at the grove, moved to it with his family, 
and resided here for fourteen years. His nearest 
neighbors for many years were Henry Thomas, who 
li^■ed sixteen miles north, and J. B. Merrideth twenty 
miles south. A post office called Boyd's grove, was 
established here, and it w^as a kind of a head center for 
travelers, in passing from north to south. In those days 
but few travelers passed the grove without stopping for 
refreshments or lodging. 

ORGANIZING THE MILITIA. 

People on the border settlements, being apprehensive 
or further trouble with the Indians, thought it best to 
organize companies under the state militia law, so they 
would be prepared to make a defense in case of war. 
A meeting of the citizens of Bureau was called, and it 
was agreed to unite with Spoon river and Crow 
Meadow settlements, and form a battalion on the west 
side of the river, which would consist of two or more 
companies. In accordance to the decree of the meeting, 
runners were sent to the diffierent settlements, which 
are now included within the limits of Bureau, Stark, 



176 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY, 

Putiiiiin and Marshall counties, notifying all persons 
liable for military dnty to meet at Boyd's Grove, on the 
18th of April, 1833, for the pnrpose of organizing 
militia companies, and receive instructions in training. 
On the day appointed, people were seen in various 
directions on the prairie, heading towards Boyd's 
Grove, some in wagons, others on horseback, or on foot, 
and all carrying guns on their shonlders. Many <»f 
them were provided with camp equipage, including 
tents, provisions, tfec, as it was thought that the training 
would last two or more days. The meeting was well 
attended by people from the various settlements, a large 
portion of whom were aspirants for military honors. 
Two skeleton companies were formed, one for Spoon 
I'iver and the other for Bureau settlement. After a 
spirited contest, officers were elected for each ; Nathaniel 
Chamberlin, who lived one mile south of Princeton, 
was elected major, and was therefore the commanding 
officer of the battalion. The captain elected for the 
Bureau company was Abram Musick, who afterwards 
owned a blacksmith shop, four miles north of Princeton, 
and Dr. William O. Chamberlain was made lieutenant. 
The drummer of the company was Alexander Boyd, 
who was at that time a lad of lifteen years of age, and 
is at present a i-esident of Princeton. 

The election of Musick as captain, gave great offense 
to part of the company, it being alleged that he was an 
escaped convict from the penitentiary, and had therefore 
forfeited his citizenship. Some refused to obey the 



ORGANIZING- THE MILITIA. 177 

captain's orders, which threw his company into contu- 
sion. When orders were given to halt, they wonld go 
aliead; when ordered to file to the right, they would 
tile to the left, and vice versa. Notwithstanding the 
animating peals of the fife and drum, and the loud 
commands of the officers for the men to follow the 
martial music in military array, some would lag behind, 
others go ahead, swearing that they would not be led 
by a penitentiary con%act. The major, having no 
sword, had supplied its place by a small cottonwood 
cane, and with this deadly weapon waving over his 
head, he was seen running to and fro, giving orders to 
those out of line. With his heavy bass voice keyed to 
its highest note, he warned them of the consequence of 
disobeying a military officer, and in the excitement of 
the moment, he threatened to run his sword (cottonwood 
cane), through any man who doubted his authority to 
command the battalion. But his efforts were all to no 
purpose, some of the men swore they would not muster 
under Capt. Musick ; much quarreling and a number 
of lights was the result, when all broke up in a row, 
and further training was abandoned. 

Before the battalion separated, a speech from the 
commanding officer was called for, and in compliance 
with this call, the major, while using a rail fence for a 
rostrum, made a speech, which was much applauded. 
It was expected that he would reprove the men for 
their bad conduct, telling them how disgraceful they 
had acted, but he done no such thing. On the contrary. 



178 EEMINI8CENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

he eulogized them for their good discipline, military 
knowledge as well as their gentlemanly conduct towards 
their officers, telling them if they continued in the 
discharge of their duty as they had began, it would 
certainly lead them to military fame. In conclusion, 
he exhorted them to further deeds of heroism, by 
saying, " With such troops as now stand before me, the 
women and children on the west side of the Illinois 
river, are in no danger of suffering from an attack of 
ruthless savages.'' 

Commissions were issued by tlie Adjutant General to 
all the officers elected, but the Ijattalion never met 
again, and on that day all of these brave officers 
finished their military career. 

ARRIVAL OF THE POTATO BRIGADE, 

About the 20tli of May, 1832, a company of rangers 
from the south part of the State, arrived at Boyd's 
Grove, while on their way north to join Atkinson's 
army. This company was commanded ])\ Capt. Posey, 
and was called the " Potato Brigade," on account of the 
foraging propensity of some of the soldiers. During 
the night, the guards on duty discovered what they 
believed to be an Indian crawling on liis hands and 
knees, in order to get a good shot at tliem. Three of 
the guards fired, and the supposed Indian fell dead, 
after which the guards ran into camp to give the alarm. 
The soldiers, who were asleep in their blankets, were 



ARRIVAL OF THE POTATOE BRIGADE. 179 

tlii'uMn into a panic at the presence of tlie supposed 
Indians, and they made a hasty preparation for an 
attack, a defense, or a flight, as the case miglit demand. 
When the company were under arms, Capt, Posey, his 
voice husky from fright, gave orders to charge on the 
enemy, who were believed to be lying in ambusli. 
With their guns cocked, ready to lire, they advanced 
cautiously, until they came to the late scene of action, 
but instead of linding the remains of an Indian 
warrior, they found a dead dog. Old Bounce, a dog 
belonging to Mr. Boyd, with a large bone in his mouth, 
was on his way to hide it, wlien he was mistaken for an 
Indian, and shot. After making this discovery, the 
soldiers were ordered back to camp, and had no further 
excitement during the night. 

During the Black Hawk war, every settler within 
the limits of Bureau county, left the country for a place 
of safety, except Charles Boyd. When hostilities 
commenced, Mr. Boyd sent his wife and small children 
to Peoria, while himself and three sons, ranging in age 
from twelve to seventeen, remained at home to raise a 
crop. The great Galena road, which passed by the 
house, was now deserted, and the welcome sound of 
the stage horn was no longer heard in the grove. The 
only mail route from north to south was over this road, 
but it was now discontinued, as no person could be 
found willing to risk his life in carrying it. The 
Governor of the State, with the volunteers under his 



180 KEMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

command, were at the north, and all communication 
between them and the settled part of the State w^as 
now cut off. An effort was made to keep oj^en a com- 
munication between the north and south, and for this 
purpose two companies of rangers were stationed at 
Henry Thomas' (four miles north of Wyanet), two at 
Dixon's ferry, and one at Apple river. The stage, 
guarded by a file of soldiers, made two trips over the 
road, but on being attacked at Buffalo Grove by 
Indians, the enterprise was abandoned, and from that 
time all communication l3v mail was at an end. 



PECULIARITIES OF OLD BEN. 

Mr. Boyd and sons remained at tlie grove, working 
on the farm, as previously stated, but they took the 
precaution to carry their guns with them while engaged 
in the field. Sometimes one of the boys would stand 
guard while the others were at work, so he could give 
warning if the enemy approached. One day while 
Mr. Boyd was plowing in the field, notice was given 
him that Indians were approaching the grove. Mr. 
Boyd and sons picked up their guns, and prepared 
themselves to give the Indians a warm receptioii. The 
supposed Indians proved to be two of Stillman's men, 
on their wav from the battle-field, ]la^•ino: ]-t)de sixtv 
miles without stopping. 

At night they would leave their cabin, carrvini>- \\'\\\\ 



THE ATTACK AND REPULSE. 181 

tlieui blankets and quilts, and sleep in the grove. 
With their loaded guns by their side, they felt more 
secure than sleeping in the house. 

Mr. Boyd had an old red work ox, named " Ben," 
which became noted on account of some of his pecn- 
liarities. Inheriting from his dam, being frightened 
when a calf, or from some other cause unknown to the 
writer, this ox had a great dread of Indians. If hitched 
to a plow or wagon, and an Indian came in sight or in 
scenting distance, old Ben would raise his head, roll his 
eyes wildly in their sockets, commence bawling, and 
start to run, if not prevented. In crossing a trail, 
where an Indian had recently passed, old Ben, on 
scenting the track, would jump over it, bawling with 
all his might. A large bell was put on this ox, and he 
was allowed to lay by the house at night, so if Indians 
approached, he would give the alarm. 



THE ATTACK AND REPULSE. 

A war party, consisting of nine Indians, belonging 
to Girty's band of cut throats, after having crossed the 
Illinois river, and scaring the people at Hennepin, con- 
tinued their scout southeast, until they came to Boyd's 
grove. Here they concealed themselves in the thick 
timber, while one of their party reconnoitered the posi- 
tion. That same night, about 12 o'clock the Indians made 
an attack on Boyd's house, believing that the family were 
sleeping within. Having collected, and carried with 



182 REMINISCENCES OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 

them bundles of dry sticks, with which they intended 
to set the house on lire, and shoot the inmates as they 
came out to extinguish the flames, or escape from the 
burning building, as the case might be. The Indians 
approaclied with great caution, until they came within 
a few rods of the house, when old Ben on scenting 
them, jumped up with a loud bawl, and rang his big 
bell at a furious rate. This strange conduct of old Ben 
frightened the other cattle, and they too jumped up 
and ran in various directions. The dogs Ijarked, the 
horses snorted, the Indians thought they had aroused a 
regiment of rangers, and could not have been more 
frightened had they encountered all of Atkinson's 
army. Old Ben's strategy worked like a charm, tlie 
repulse was complete ; the Indians being panic stricken 
dropped their bundles of sticks, and fled with all haste 
for their camp. Mr. Boyd and sons were asleep in the 
grove, some distance from the house, and at the time 
knew nothing of the fracas between old Ben and the 
Indians. 

FAILURE OF AN INDIAN RAID. 

The next morning after this affair, an Indian came to 
Boyd's house, and secreted himself close by, among the 
thick bushes, in order to shoot the inmates as they 
came out. The dwelling stood in the edge of the 
grove, and about three rods from it was a thick cluster 
of undergrowth. Mr. Boyd liad gone on the prairie 
after liis horses, and the boys were in the door yard 



FAILURE OF AN INDIAN KAID. 183 

cleiiuiiig theii" rifles, unconscious of danger. While 
they were thus engaged, this Indian advanced quietly 
into the cluster of undergrowth, and seeing the boys' 
guns were unloaded, he raised his rifle to shoot the 
largest boy, with the intention, no doubt, of springing 
forward and tomahawking the two smaller ones. But 
his rifle missed fire, and the boys, hearing the click of 
the lock, ran into the house, thus defeating his mur- 
derous intentions. When the Indian found that his 
I'aid was a failure, he fled for his camp, and by skulking 
among the brush, he made his way out of the thicket 
without being discovered by the bovs. 

On Mr. Boyd's return to his house, and learning these 
facts, he thought it best to leave the grove immediately, 
as their lives would be jeopardized by remaining longer. 
Accordingly they mounted their horses, and rode to 
Fort Thomas, sixteen miles distant, where they remained 
over night. Next morning, accompanied by a file ot 
soldiers, they returned to the grove to search for the 
Indians. In the thick timber of the grove, some 
distance from the house, they found where the Indians 
had encamped the night before, and the coals of their 
camp fire were still alive. By the tracks of theii- 
[)onies, and by the marks on the butt of a tree against 
which their guns were leaned, it was thought there 
were eight or ten Indians, but they could not be found, 
and it was now quite evident that they had left the 
grove for other fields of depredation. 



CHAPTER XX. 



SETTLERS RETURN TO LOOK AFTER THEIR CATTLE, 

On the ITtli of June, seven persons, named Elijah 
Phillips, J. Hodges, Sylvester Brighani, John L, 
Anient, Aaron Gunn, James G, Forrestall, and a boy 
of sixteen by the name of Ziba Dimmick, left Henne- 
pin for Bureau settlement, in order to look after their 
cattle, which had Ijeen left to run at large on the 
prairie.* On arriving at Ament's cabin they prepared 

* A week or two previous, the same party came over to Bureau, after 
their cattle, with tlie intention of driving them east of the river. 
While at Ament's cabin, they had a controversy as to the propriety of 
I'emaining all night; some favored returning to Hennepin, and others 
remaining. Failing to agree, Mr. Phillips, who was somewhat of an 
eccentric character, placed a clapboard in an upright position, saying, 
"This must decide our cause; if it falls to the north, we are safe, and 
will remain; but if to the south, we must be off." The board fell to 
the south , and by common consent, liiey prepared to leave forthwith. 
Their cattle, however, became unmanageable, running towards the 
timber, which the settlers wished to avoid for fear of Indians, and 
leaving their cattle near Mr. Musgrove's, they returned to Hennepin. 

Many things relating to the killing of Phillips, and an attack on 
.Vraent's cabin, was communicated to John L. Anient, some years after 
it occurred, by a French Indian trader, who obtained l)is information 
from those engaged in tliis affair. From this account many facts are 
taken, as well as from statements made to the writer by one of the 
Indians present at tlie time. On this authority, incidents are given 
which were unknown to the earlv settlers. 



SETTLERS RETURN. 185 

iuid ate tlieir dinner, after which they made prepara- 
tions to return to Hennepin. Ament's cabin was 
situated in the edge of the timber, about one and a 
half miles north of the present site of Dover, and on 
the farm now occupied by Matthew Taylor, After 
dinner was over, it commenced raining, so they con- 
cluded to stay all night. They believed it perfectly 
safe to do so, as no Indians, nor Indian signs had been 
seen in the vicinity for some time. Accordingly they 
barricaded the door and window of the cabin, with 
heavy pimcheons, and with their loaded gims by their 
side, they laid down on the floor to sleep. 

Immediately west of Ament's cabin, was a place 
known by the settlers as " Big Sugar Camp," a part of 
which was included within his claim. This sugar camp 
had been for many years a kind of headquarters for the 
Indians, and here lived during the winter and spring of 
each year, a petty chief by the name of Meommuse, who 
had in his band ten or twelve lodges, or families. They 
and their ancesters had made sugar here for forty-two 
years in succession, and they were very much displeased 
at the whites settling so close, regarding them as 
trespassers on their rights. A bad feeling existed 
between these Indians and some of the settlers. Between 
some of these Indians and John L. Anient, angry words 
had passed, and to make the matter worse, Ament had 
killed one of their dogs. 

A few days before the incident occurred which we 
are about to relate, the Indians, who were encamped in 



186 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

the bend of the creek, above the crossmg of the 
Princeton and Dixon road, moved to this big sugar 
camp, in order that their ponies might have better 
range on the little bottom prairie close by. Spies, who 
were on the lookout for victims, discovered this party 
of settlers as they approached the timber, and they 
immediately gave notice to their comrades, who made 
a hasty preparation to attack and murder them. Ac- 
cordingly they approached with great caution, crawling 
on their hands and knees among the hazel brush, until 
they came M'ithin a few rods of the cabin, with the 
intention of firing on the settlers as they came out of 
the house, and kill them all at one stroke. After the 
settlers had ate their dinner, some in the cabin, others 
around it, talking and laughing, unconscious of danger, 
not dreaming that a deadly foe was concealed within a 
few rods of them. While thus engaged, it commenced 
raining, when the settlers went into the cabin, and 
seated themselves around a blazing fire, JSTotwith- 
standing the rain, the Indians remained in ambush 
until they were satisfied that their intended victims 
were going to remain over night, when they left for 
their camp. 

Among this band of warriors, were a number of 
Pottawatamies, who had been raised on Bureau, one of 
whom was a son of Meommuse, the chief above alluded 
to. This young chief was well acquainted with this 
party of settlers, who were now selected as their 
victims. Two of these, Sylvester Brigham, and James 



ftlvillii'tt ! 



rtiUiiBi 



DEATH OF PHILLIPS. 189 

G. Forristall, he had received presents from, and there- 
fore wished to spare their lives. Towards John L. 
Ament and Elijah Phillips, bad feelings were entertained 
on account of former difficulty, and these two only, the 
young chief wished to kill, and let the others escape. 
Girty, whose savage nature knew no difference between 
former friends and former foes, was in favor of killing 
the whole party, and to this proposition all the warriors 
finally agreed. 

PHILLIPS KILLED, AND AMENT's CABIN ATTACKED. 

The Indians had decided to make an attack in the 
dead hour of night, while the inmates were asleep ; set 
the cabin on fire, and kill all within, but it continued 
to rain all night, which defeated their plans. For two 
hours the Indians remained around the cabin, devising 
plans to murder the inmates without endangering their 
own lives. The doors and windows were examined, 
and found so well barricaded that they could not enter 
without awakening their intended victims. Next 
morning, their moccasin tracks were seen around the 
cabin, and mud was noticed on the walls of the house, 
where they had climbed up to look through a crack 
between the logs. After holding a consultation among 
themselves, the Indians decided to abandon further 
operations that night, and returned to their camp, with 
the intention of attacking the settlers next morning, as 
they would leave for Hennepin. To carry out this 



190 KEMINISOENOES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

plan, the Indians concealed themselves in the thick 
hazel brush, the same as they had done the day before. 
Phillips being the first one to leave the cabin, came 
npon the Indians as they lay in ambush, and was in the 
act of turning around to run back, when the report of 
many rifles was heard, followed by a shrill war whoop, 
and poor Phillips lay a corpse, pierced by two balls. 
The Indians, with deafening yells, rushed forward from 
their hiding places, tomahawked their victim, and 
surrounded the cabin. The settlers, in great haste, 
closed the door, and pointed their guns at the Indians 
through cracks in the wall. A gun in the hands of J. 
Hodges, coming in contact with Girty's breast, caused 
him to break for the timber, and he was followed by all 
of his comrades. Young Dimmick called a horse to 
the window, caught, mounted, and put him at the toj* 
of his speed for Hennepin, sixteen miles distant, at 
which place he arrived safely. 

When Dimmick arrived at Hennepin with the sad 
tidings, it created a great panic among the people, and 
rumors were circulated that Black Hawk's whole force 
was about to attack the frontier settlements. On the 
west side of the river, and feeding along Bureau creek. 
Avere seen about three hundred ponies, and it was 
thought as many Indians were secreted in the thick 
bottom timber, with the intention of attacking tlie 
town.* On that day a part of two companies of 

* It was afterwards ascertained that these ponies belonged to Atkin- 
son's army then on Rock river, having ran oflf, and were making their 
^vay south to tlieir former grazing grounds. 



DEATH OF PHILLIPS. 191 

rangers were in Hennepin, tor the purpose of being 
mustered out of service, and among them a call was 
made for volunteers to go to tlie rescue. Timid men 
were in favor of leaving the settlers at Ament's cabin to 
their fate, as an attempt at their rescue would only result 
in further sacrifice of life. Some of the women com- 
menced ringing their hands and crying, beseeching the 
men not to leave them unprotected, to l)e tomahawked 
by the Indians ; while others, of more courage, urged 
their husbands and sons on to the rescue, while they 
set about running their pewter spoons into bullets, to 
supply them with cartridges. 

About thirty persons volunteered to go the rescue, 
among whom were Capt. Haws, Capt. Willis, Lieut. 
Garvin, and other resolute men, who were willing to 
risk their lives to save their friends. Among these 
\'olnnteers, was Dave Jones, who was alwaj^s full of 
light when under the influence of liquor ; with hat and 
coat off, he would jump up and down, cracking his 
heels together, swearing that he would go alone to the 
rescue, if he was certain of encountering all of Black 
Hawk's army. 

The small ferry boat would only carry six persons, 
with their liorses, at a time, and as soon as all tlic 
volunteers were landed on the west side of the river, 
they put their horses on a gallop for Ament's cabin. 
Before reaching their destination, the horse on which 
Dave Jones was mounted, gave out, but Jones continued 
the race on foot, keeping up with those on horseback. 



192 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY, 

On tlie arrival of the rangers, they found tlie remaining 
live safe in tlie cahin, not having ventured out since the 
murder. "When the rangers came within a short 
distance of the cabin, they called a halt, not knowing 
but it was full of Indians. On seeing this, John L, 
Ament made an opening through the roof of the cabin, 
and displayed a white cloth, a signal that all was right. 
The body of Phillips, undisturbed since his death, 
was lying in the door-yard, with his face turned upward. 
One bullet had entered his breast in the region of the 
heart, and another had pierced his stomach. There 
were marks of tomahawk strokes across his temples and 
also on the neck. In their haste to leave, the savages 
had failed to scalp him.* 

FLIGHT OF THE INDIANS — PURSUIT BY THE RANGERS. 

The Indians did not notice young Dimmick leave 
the cabin for Hennepin, to give the alarm, and there- 
fore regarded themselves as perfectly safe. They 
remained in ambush, watching the cabin, until the 
rangers came in sight, then they left in such haste as 



* There are several remarkable incidents connected witli this aflfair, 
one or two of which could not be credited, if they were not well authen- 
ticated. Brighani and Phillips, being the first up in the morning, 
stood for a moment on the porch, engaged in conversation, when 
Phillips said ho would go over to his own cabin, which was about a 
half mile distant, and write a letter. Mi-. Bringham said he would go 
along, but from some cause unknown to himself, he turned and 
entered the house, while Phillips stepped off" the porch, and was shot 
dead. Mr. Brigham has often said that it appeared to him a striking 
providential circumslance, that he entered the cabin as he did, instead 
of going immediately with Phillips, having no erran^l whatever 



DEATH OF PHILLIPS. 193 

to leave many of their blankets at their hiding place. 
They fled to their camp which was distant about three 
•juarters of a mile, and on arriving there they picked 
up their camp equipage, and left for a place of safety. 
Part of the Indians having charge of their ponies scat- 
tered themselves through the timber in various direc- 
tions, so their trail could not be followed by their 
pursuers, while the larger portion of the warriors, left 
on foot, and in a northwest direction. After crossing 
the creek, they came to a thick cluster of undergrowth, 
which tliey considered a proper place to make a defense. 
Here they lay in ambush, concealed by the thick l)rush. 
awaiting the arrival of the rangers. 

The rangei's remained at the cabin sometime, un- 
decided what to do ; some were in favor of pursuing 
the Indians, while others opposed it. At last Ca})!. 
Willis, called for volunteers, and about twenty-five 
came forward, who were willing to undertake the haz- 
ardous task of following the Indians. At the big sugar 

within. Had he not entered the cabin then, he would in all proba- 
bility have shared the same fate as his companion. 

The horse that Dimmick rode to Hennepin, belonged to Sylvester 
Brigham, and could not be caught on the prairie, at other times, but on 
this occasion, it was called to the cabin window, and allowed itself to 
be bridled and mounted. 

About one hour after Phillips was killed, a verj' remarkable incident 
occurred, which is vouched for by t'orristall and others. The cattle 
belonging to the settlers came to the dead body of Phillips, and com- 
menced smelling it. Among the cattle was a yoke of steers, which 
belonged to the deceased, and was afterwards owned by James G. 
Forristall. These steers appeared to stand guard over the body of their 
master, and as other cattle came nigh, they would drive them away. 
After which these steers lay down, one on each side of the corpse, and si > 
close to it that the slobbers from their mouth was found on the clothes. 
After Ij'ing here about two hours, the steers got up and went with the 
other cattle on the prairie to feed. 



194 KEMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY, 

i-amp, they took their trail, and followed it across the 
creek, and within one hundred yards of the place 
where the Indians Avere concealed. Here they held a 
parley, being undecided which way to go, and by mere 
chance turned their course, and thereby avoided the 
ambush. Had they continued on their course, the 
probabilities are most of the rangers would have lost 
their lives, as the Indians were so well secreted in the 
thick undergrowth, at short range, but few, if any 
could have made their escape. 

The rangers continued on a short distance, in a 
northwest direction, but having lost the trail of the 
Indians, they gave up the pursuit, and turned back. 
On returning to Ament's cabin, they immediately left 
for Hennepin, taking with them the remains of Phillips, 
which was prepared for interment at the house of Hooper 
Warren. A large number of citizens and soldiers, 
attended the funeral, which took place next day, 
Elijah Phillips, was a young man of industry, and en- 
terprise, and his loss was much regretted by the settlers 
on Bureau. The year before, he had left his parents, 
and friends in Massachusetts, to seek his fortune on the 
prairies of the west, where he met his death at the 
hands of savages, as above stated. 



CHAPTER XXI. 



SCOTT S ARMi- PASSES THROUGH BUREAU COUNTY. 

On the 8tli of July, 1832, Gen. Scott, with about 
one thousand soldiers of the regular army, arrived at 
Fort Dearborn, (now Chicago.) The two steamboats 
that brought this army, were the first that ever plowed 
the wayes of Lake Michigan, and their arrival at Fort 
Dearborn, was heraled by newspapers throughout the 
United States. With Scott's army were six companies 
from Fortress Monroe, who suffered severely from 
cholera, whicli broke out among them while on the 
lakes. Out of four hundred young men, who left the 
fort in health and vigor, only eighty lived to return 
again to their old quarters. Among these soldiers who 
survived the ravages of the cholera, M^as Lewis Gobi), 
(now a resident of Wyanet,) to whom the writer is 
indebted for these facts. 

Scott's army remained at Fort Dearborn about three 
weeks, waiting for transportation, and during that time 
a large portion of the soldiers died with the cholera. 



196 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

With the army was Gen. Twiggs, then a colonel and 
the rebel Gen. Joe Johnston, at that time a lieutenant, 
with many other officers who have acquired notoriety 
in the late rebellion. Among the troops was the noted 
surgeon, Beaumont, accompanied by his more noted 
servant, who had a wound in his stomach. This re- 
markable man, received sometime previous, a gunshot 
M'ound, which opened a cavity in his stomach that 
never healed. Into this cavity the doctor had placed a 
glass tube, so he could watch the progress of digestion. 
By experimenting with this man's stomach, it had been 
ascertained the length of time required to digest 
different articles of diet, an account of which has been 
published in different medical works of the day. 

The soldiers, by way of derision, would frequently 
inquire of this man how much he would ask for a peep 
into his stomach. 

About the iirst of August, the army left Fort Dear- 
born for Eock Island, one hundred and seventy miles 
distant, and each day, wliile on the road, some of the 
soldiers died with the cholera. Accompanying the 
troops, were many baggage wagons, and a large drove 
of cattle, for army supplies. There was no road across 
the country at that time, and the course of the army 
was shaped by the compass. Not a dAvelling of a white 
man, nor one mark of civilization, was seen on the 
entire route. Many of the streams and groves had not 
yet been named, so that the exact route taken by the 
army is not known. Greenberry Hall, who lived foi- 



THE captive's RETURN. 197 

a number of years in the town of Do^'el•, said tlie next 
spring after the passage of Scott's anny, their trail was 
plainly to be seen between Perkins' and Paw Paw 
Grove. This being the ease, makes it quite probable 
that the army passed through the northern part of 
Bureau county, and on this probability we give it a 
place in our story. 



THE CAPTIVES KETURN. — RETRIBUTION, 

Soon after the killing of Phillips, the Indians left 
Bureau, to join Black Hawk's band, which, at that 
time, was fleeing before Gen. Atkinson's army. "While 
on their way thither, and in the vicinity of Galena, 
they killed a number of persons, and attacked a block 
house on Apple river, which contained a few families 
of miners. After joining Black Hawk's forces, they 
participated in the battle of Bad Axe, where many of 
them were killed^ and others drowned while attempting 
to swim the Mississippi river. 

When the war was over, many of the Indians returned 
to Bureau, and among them were the squaw and 
papooses of Girtv. But Girty himself did not return, 
and his fate, at that time, was unknown, but it was 
ij:;enerally believ^ed that he was killed in battle. 

A few years after the Black Hawk war, the writei'. 
in company with Dad Joe, found a lone Indian in the 
woods, near where the Dixon road crosses Bureau 
creek. This Indian was sitting by a small camj) tire. 



198 KEMINISCENCES OF BUKEAU COUNTY, 

where he had spent the night, his head bowed down, 
and his blankets wrapped dosely aronnd his shoulders. 
He had a violent cough, was pale and emaciated, 
evidently in the last stages of consumption. Dad Joe 
addressed liim in the P(jttawatainie tongue, but he 
replied in good English, and made to us the following 
statement. His home, he said, was at Indiantown, 
where he was then going, and had fought at the battle of 
Bad Axe, and was there taken prisoner. Having on 
his person at the time the badge of a chief, caused him 
to be placed on board of the steamer Warrior, and 
carried down to Prairie du Chien, where he was con- 
tined in the barracks, A few days after his arrival in 
the fort, while in a drunken spree, he killed one of the 
guards, and for this offense was sentenced to imprison- 
ment for life. With a ball and chain around his leg, 
he was for four long years compelled to do the drudgery 
work of the garrison, but when his health failed, and 
could be of no further service, he was set at liberty. 
Here he showed us a silver medal, which he wore on 
his breast, suspended from his neck by a large buckskin 
cord. On this medal were engraved the following 
words : " A Token of Friendship, Lewis Cass, U. S. 
I. A," For nine years this talisman had been sus- 
pended from his neck, and aftei- liis death, when his 
body was partly devijured by wolves, it was found 
attached to the remains. 

In conversation with this Indian, ]ie said that he ha^l 
a squaw and five papooses living at Indiantown, and 



THE captive's RETURN. 199 

was ill liopes tliat his strength would hold out until he 
reached them ; then said he, " I will die contented.'' 
Dad Joe told him that no Indians were then living at 
Indiantown, as they had a short time before gone west 
of the Mississippi. At this announcement, tears fell 
from his eyes, and bowing his head between his knees, 
he repeated a short prayer in his native tongue. After 
remaining in prayer a few moments, he raised to his 
feet with a loud groan, while despair was pictured in 
his emaciated face, he made preparations to continue 
his journey. His camp kit consisted of two blankets, 
a small copper kettle, a pot, a gun, a tomahawk, a large 
knife, and a piece of venison. "With our assistance, 
these things were gathered up and placed on his back, 
while reeling to and fro Irom weakness, and without 
saying another word, he continued his journey. 

This Indian, as the reader may have already con- 
jectured, was no other than Mike Girty, the outlaw, 
and the retribution which followed his crimes is one of 
the most remarkable incidents connected with the early 
settlement of this county. 



CHAPTER XXII. 



GIRTY S ARRIVAL AT PRINCETON, 

Girty, in his journey homeward from Prairie du 
Chien, traveled on the Winnebago trail, which ran east 
of the lead mines and Dixon's ferry, a distance of one 
hundred and eighty miles. Tlie country through which 
he passed, was, at that time, an unbroken wilderness, 
and not a white's man's habitation could l)e seen on the 
entire route. But here on Bureau it was quite different 
— people had built cabins along the margin of the 
timber, and in some places their fences had already 
crossed tlie Indian trails. Instead of the Indiantowu 
trail passing tlu'ough the timber — down Epperson's run 
and along Bureau creek, as in former days, it was now 
changed to a great wide road, over which passed a daily 
mail coach and emigrant wagons, as well as droves of 
cattie, hogs, &c. Along this road Girty traveled, 
meditating, no doubt, on the great changes a few years 
had produced. It was a clear, bright day, in the early 
part of June, 1836 — the prairies were covered with 



GIRTy's arrival at PRINCETON. 203 

wild flowers, and people everywhere busy with their 
crops, as Girty, on his homeward journey, passed along 
tliis road. But great must have been his surprise when 
he came in sight of Princeton, to see a group of buildings 
liere on the prairie, where a few years before not a 
house could be seen. On the east side of Main street, 
stood a frame building, and in front of it hung a large 
painted sign, which read, "Princeton Hotel, by S. 
Triplett." Opposite the hotel, on the west side of the 
street, was a small one story building, and over the 
door of which were the words " Post Office." Above 
the sign of Post Office, was a larger one, reading thus, 
" Diy Goods and Groceries ; John M. Gay." Outside 
of the building, and fronting the door, stood a tall, 
spare, dark-complexioned man, known by every one as 
the proprietor of the establishment, and post master, 
and by his side stood a medium sized, good looking 
man, wearing a white beaver hat, and a blue dress coat, 
who was earnestly engaged in explaining to the post- 
master the great importance of baptism. This man. 
the reader will recognize as Thomas S. Elston, who was 
for many years a citizen of Princeton. On the open 
commons, near where Elijah Dee's dwelling now stands, 
was a small log cabin, over the door of which, and close 
under its clapboard roof, was a large sign, painted in 
Eoman letters, and reading thus, "Templeton's New 
Store." On a slab bench, fronting the cabin, were 
seated three young men, engaged in conversation, and 
whose names were Noah Wiswall, R. T. Templeton. 



204 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

and Dr. "Willian O. Chamberlain. "While these jouuji- 
men were discussing the all important topics of the day, | 
which were dividing the county, and constructing the 
canal, Grirty, the outlaw, came along the road. He wat> 
carrying on his back all of his camp equipage, including 
gun, blankets, kettles, provision, tfcc. His once straight, 
manly form, was now bent, not from age, but by ] 
disease and great fatigue. His head was without 
covering, and on his shoulders and down his back were 
hano-ino;, in confused masses, locks of coarse, black 
hair. The appearance of Girty was comical, in the 
extreme, and the young men were having considerable 
merriment at his expense, saying that "He was un- 
doubtedly the last of the Mohegans." The traveler was 
asked many questions, but he appeared sullen and 
morose, and not inclined to impart much of his history. 
On the public square, now occupied by the Court 
House, stood the Hampshire Colony Church, which 
was at that time the important land mark of Princeton. 
Situated, as it was, out on the green, open commons — 
elevated high above the ground on wooden l)locks — 
painted white, with a projecting cornice, which was in 
strong contrast with the small unpain ted buildings in the 
surroundings. This notable structure attracted the 
attention of C-irirty; probably it was the lirst painted 
building that he had ever seen, and pointing to it, lie 
said, "Big wigwam; great chief lives in it, I spect." 
Mr. Templeton told him it was a church. JS^ever 
having heard of the name church before, Girty paused 



TWO GREAT PAPER CITIES. 205 

a luoiiient, and then continued, " I 'tsiiect he i\< a hi»- 
warrior, a great hrave." At Girty's last remark, Dr. 
Chamberlain Uiughed long and \om\, wlien he was 
reproved by Mr. Wiswall, who said to him, ''Now 
what is the use of laughing at the pooi-, ignorant 
creature.'' Mr. Templeton explained to Girty that the 
building was not a wigwam, as he had supposed, but a 
l)lace where white people went to pray to the Great 
SjHrit. On receiving this information, the sad face of 
Girty was changed to mirthfulness, and he laughed 
heartily at the fanaticism of white people. Going to so 
much trouble to Ijuild a line M'igwam to pray in, 
appeared to him ridiculous, and he pitied their igno- 
rance. Slowly and feebly, while bending under his 
burden, Girty continued his way toward Indiantown. 
On Bureau bottom he passed the cabins of Eobert 
Clark and Michael Kitterman, the sight of which must 
have brought fresh to his mind a conspiracy which he 
entered into a few years before, to murder these 
families. 



TWO GREAT PAPER CITIES. 

If Girty was surprised on seeing Princeton, he must 
have been more so on his arrival at Indiantown. In- 
stead of finding a quiet Indian village, containing the 
wigwam of his squaw, and those of his friends, whicli 
he had left a few years before, he found strange 
Ituildings and strange faces. All was now changed; 



206 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

e\-erv relic of the Indian village had disappeared, and 
on its ruins stood the great city of Windsor. Rip Yan 
Winkle, after sleeping twenty years, found things very 
much changed ; but with Girty the same had been done 
in one iifth of the time. Here was a great city, wliich 
extended for a long ways, up and down Bureau 1)ottom, 
including within its boundaries, timber, prairie, Indian 
village, cornfields, dance grounds, caches, t%c. Running 
up and down tlie bottom, and crossing each other 
at short intervals, were many wide streets. Here, too, 
were boulevards, connecting together important places, 
and intended as great arteries of the city. At the 
crossing of these were large public parks, to which the 
inhabitants coidd retreat from the crowed streets of the 
city. Near the center of the city was the great county 
square, intended for the court house, jail, and other 
county buildings. To the left of the County square, 
was Market, and to the riglit was Liberty square, 
both of which were intended for public parks. In 
various parts of the city, were reservations for churches, 
cathedrals, seminaries, colleges, and other public build- 
ings, all of which had been donated by the generous 
proprietor for public use. Passing through the northern 
wards of the city, and following the windings of the 
Bureau creek, was the great ship canal, connecting the 
Illinois with the Mississippi i-iver. By the side of tliis 
canal, was a lai-ge ha\'en, or harbor, which was intended 
to hold much of the iship].ing of the west, isnd around 
it was room fur lartie business lilucks. State roads 



TWO GKEAT PAPER CITIES. 207 

branched off in various directions, ])y which Windsor 
was connected with all the principal cities of the west. 

Adjoining Windsor, on the west, and including that 
]iart of Tiskilwa, which lays in Indiantown, was another 
great city called |West Windsor. Its boundaries ex- 
tended from the bluff, on the south, to the Kinney 
farm, on the north, and at the west far up Eocky 
Run. Many of the streets of this city were named after 
the Presidents — great statesmen and warriors of past 
ages. It also contained many parks, the most conspic- 
ous of which were, Judicial and Pleasant, intended no 
doubt, as breathing places for its (prospective) crowded 
population. 

We have described these cities as they appeared on 
]»aper ; but their real appearance was different. In 
West Windsor, south of Kocky Run, in a double log- 
cabin, lived Sampson Cole, and boarding with him was 
R, R. Pearce, who was a cabinent maker, a surveyor, 
a justice of the peace and post master. Close by 
Coles' residence, Rodrick Owen, had a slab blacksmith 
shop, and these constituted all the buildings, and all 
the inhabitants of West Windsor. This city existed 
only a few months, its proprietor, J. W. Kinney, 
having mortgaged it to the state bank for money, and 
in order to beat the mortgagee, had the town plat 
vacated, when it fell into ruin and nothing more was 
heard of it. 

In Windsor proper then were two log cabins, and 



208 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

two ])oard siiaiities, and its inhabitant were Dr. Lang- 
worthy, Amariah Watson, and Ferrill Dunn. This 
town was laid off a few months before, by Dr. A. 
Langworthy, and stakes, marked at the top Avith red 
keel, and with the few slianties above referred to, was 
all that coidd be seen of this great paper city. 

Sncli was the appearance of Indiantown when Girty 
returned to it ; wigwams and cornfields were no longer 
to be seen ; even the great council house, where chiefs 
and warriors had met for deliberation, had disappeared. 
The little green knoll by the creek bank, which had 
for ages been used for a dance ground, where young 
warriors and timed maidens, at the sound of drums, or 
rattling gourds, had danced around their trophies of 
war, was now fenced in by Mr. Watson for a goose 
pasture. With a sori-owful heart, Girty passed through 
the town ; his old haunts were scarcely recognized by 
him, and not one familiar face could he see. His worst 
fears were now realized; sick and alone, he found 
himself a stranger at his own home. At a spring, near 
the foot of the bluff, Girty camped for the night, 
being overcome by sickness and fatigue, he gave 
himself up to feelings of despair. The smoke of his 
camp fire, and his loud coughing, attracted the attention 
of Dr. Langworthy, who visited his camp, and offered 
him provisions, as well as medical treatment. Out of 
curiosity others visited Girty's camp, and tried to learn 
something of his story; but he appeared sullen and 



THE LAST OF ftlRTY. 209 

morose; to all their inquiries he would only shake his 
liearl. Probablv tlie murder of Simmons, Sample and 
wife, Pliillips, and other victims, were still fresh in his 
mind, and if known he could expect no mercy from 
])eo})le who had suffered so much at his hands. 



THE LAST OF GIRTY. 

On the third day after Grirty arrived at Indiantowii, 
lie was seen to take up his line of march for the west, 
still carrying his camp kit on his back, Near the 
present site of Sheffield, he was met by Caleb Moore, 
slowly and feebly plodding his way westward. About 
one week after Girty started west, a man, while traveling 
t)n the old Sac an.d Fox trail, saw on the prairie, north 
of Barren Grove, two wolves eating a carcass. Out of 
curiosit}' he rode out to see what they were eating, and 
found it to be the remains r)f an Indian, partly devoured. 
Near the remains were found a gun, knife, tomahawk, 
two blankets, a small copper kettle, and a pot. Around 
the neck of the remains, which was almost a skeleton, 
was a large buckskin cord, to which was attached a 
silver medal. This medal was taken off by the traveler, 
and the other trinkets, with the remains, were left on 
the prairie where they were found. 

This was the last of Girty ; although his crimes were 
great, the retribution was equally so. 




JOHN H. BRYANT. 



PART SECOND. 



HISTORICAL SKETCH 

OF THE 

EAELY SETTLEMENT. 



J 



C O ISf T E ^ T S . 

Page. 

An-ival of Etnigraiits, ... - 251 

Bureau County Organized, ... 334 

Banditti, - - - - - - 341 

Civil Authority Superseded by an Armed Force, 356 

Churches and Schools, - - - 375 

Chenoweth Prairie and Lone Tree Settlement, - 880 

Destruction of Black Partridge's Village, - 236 

Dave Jones, ..... 296 

Exploring the Country, - - 266 

Early Settlement, - - - - 237 

Early Settlement in the North part of the Coimty, 388 

Early Settlement of La Moille and Perkins Grove, 326 

Early Settlement of Princeton, - - 393 

First Settlers, and Old Uncle Peter, - - 247 

False Alarm, - - . - . 304 

Geography of Bureau County, ... 231 

Hampshire Colony, ... - 261 

Hickory Kidge, - - - - - 274 

Indians of Bureau, . . - . 241 

Jerro and Friends Saved from Starvation, - 308 

Justice Court, .... 343 

Lost Grove Settlement, .... 385 



Little Johnny, the Indian Captive, - - 310 

Moseley Settlement, - - - - 280 

Marriage under Difficulties, - - - 295 

Mirage and Sounds, - - - - 318 

Murder of Eev. John Williams, - - 319 

Murder at Lost Grove, . . . - 342 

Meteorological Table, - - - - 374 
Miscellaneous, ----- 40O 

Old Putnam County, - - - - 233 
Putnam County Organized, ... 287 

Peoria and Galena State Road, - - 291 

Providence Colony, . _ . . 331 

Progress of Settlement, - - - 396 

Politicians on a Rampage, _ . - 353 

Roads at the Time of Early Settlement, - 343 

Settlers Flee from their Homes, - - 268 
Settlement of Leepertown and Hoskins' Prairie, 278 

Settlement in the East part of the County, - 328 

Settlement at Boyd's Grove, - - - 323 

Settlement on Green River, - - - 383 

Settlement on Main Bureau, . . - 388 

Settlement east of the River — First Steamboat, 282 

Settlement of Princeton Prairie, - - 374 

Settlement in the North part of the County, - 391 

The Magician, - - - - 371 

Third Indian War, - - - - 301 

Underground Railroad, - - - 360 

Wild Animals, - - - - - 313 

West Bureau and Center Grove Settlement, - 329 



INTRODLTCTION TO PART SECOND. 

It could not be expected tliat a full and complete 
liistory of the county would be given in a book of this 
size, consequently no attempt of the kind has been 
made. The main object has been to collect and preserve 
facts connected with the early settlement, that were 
about to be lost, leaving things of a more recent date, 
and that which is a matter of record, for a subsequent 
publication. The political, commercial, financial and 
social history, as well as that of towns and villages, 
may, however, appear in another volume at some future 
day. 

In the early settlement of the country, there was a 
class of people called squatters, who kept in advance of 
permanent settlers, making claims, and selling them at 
the first opportunity. These frontiersmen, who were 
fond of border life, obtained their living by making 
and selling claims, hunting, trapping, &c., and would 
go westward as soon as people settled around them. 
Some of this class had temporary residences in this 



county, but their history is so obscure as to bear no 
part in this work. 

Many persons, no doubt, will be disappointed to find 
no mention of their names, claiming priority to others 
whose names do appear, but they must recollect that 
all necessary facts were not in possession of the writer, 
and names, in a few instances, may have been omitted 
by accident. 

It is to be expected that some persons will criticise 
the statements herein made, point out errors (or sup- 
posed to be such), but it must be remembered that 
many conflicting accounts were given, and to throw out 
the spurious, and retain the genuine, was a difficult 
matter to do. The collecting of facts connected with 
the early settlement, has been the work of years, and 
the statements herein made are not based on the sayings 
of a few persons only ; but different accounts have been 
compared and revised, by which correct conclusions 
have been arrived at. It would be too much, however, 
to presume that no errors have escaped detection. 



CHAPTER I. 



GEOGRAPHY OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

Tliis county contains twenty-tliree win tie, and t\^'() 

tVactional, towns; eight hundred and sixtv-tbiu' 8(|iiare 

miles, making five hundred and iifty-tliree thousand 

acres of land, about one-ninth of which was ori^'inallv 

tunber. The land throughout the county is neitlier 

hilly nor flat, but undulating, and raises in the north 

])art, where the waters between the Illinois and 

Mississip])i divides, to near three hundred feet above 

the Illinois vallev. Bureau countv contains no liie'li 

peaks, capped with overhanging rocks ; no deep, narrow 

valleys ; no roaring cascades, noi" mountain torrents, 

shn)uded in foam ; still it is not without picturesque 

scenery. The high, rolling prairie, which extends 

thnjugh the towns of Bureau, "Walnut, and Ohio, 

alfords a view of landscape scenery proba1)ly unsur- 

jtassed by any in the State. This pi-airie overlooks 

Bui'ean tinilter on the enst, and Green i-ivei' timber on 
2 



232 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

the west, and presents to the eye a beautiful ]H-ospeeti\'e 
view of the surnranding conntrv, for many miles in 
extent. 

On the elevated land, near Providence, called at the 
time of early settlement, '' High Land Point," the surface 
i'-f neai'ly half of Bureau county is visible. When the 
atmosphere is favorable Buffalo Grove, north of Rock 
river, forty-six miles distant, can be seen. The Blinois 
river forms fourteen miles of its eastern boundary ; 
Bureau creek, with its tributaries, waters the central 
portion, while Green river, and the head waters of 
Spoon river, flows through the w^estern part. Coal 
banks and stone quarries are found in the central part 
of the county, while peat and mineral paint abounds 
in the northwestern towns. 

Tlie old Indian Boundary Line, which extends from 
Lake Michigan to the Mississippi river, passes through 
the northern towns of this county, running almost in 
an east and west direction. This line was surveyed in 
the spring of 1819, in accordance with an act of 
Congress, and it was made one of the standard lines in 
surveying the military district. Wisconsin, in 1840. 
made a claim under the ordinance of 1787, to all that 
part of Illinois lying north of this line. The surveys 
south of the Indian Boundary Line, were commenced 
in 1816, and completed in 1823. The surveys north of 
this line were commenced in 1834, and completed in 
1843. South of the bonndary line, the land came into 



OLD PUTNAM COUNTY. 2Ho 

nuu'ket in 1835, and nui'tli of it, in 1844. The land 
office for this district was orig'inally at Galena, but 
was afterwards removed to Dixon's ferry. 

The line that bounds the Military District, com- 
mences at the great bend in the Illinois river, near the 
mouth of Lake Du Pue, and runs due west until it 
reaches tlie Mississi])pi ri\'er, a short distance from New 
Boston. The towns of Wheatland, Macon, Milo, and 
jSTeponset, had in them a large quantity of military land, 
but the towns of Arispie, Leepertown, and Indiantown, 
which lay within the military district, contained none 
of these lands. 



OLD PUTNAM COUNTY. 

In January, 1825, a bill passed the legislature for 
dividing the military district into counties, and provided 
for their organization, as soon as they contained a suffi- 
cient number of inhabitants. Putnam, being the most 
northern of the new counties, was made to include 
within its jurisdiction all of the luu'theast portion ot 
the State, and was bounded as follows: Commencing 
on the west bank of the Illinois river, at the north line 
of town eleven, following up the Illinois and Kankakee 
rivers to the Indiana state line, thence north along the 
western shore of Lake Michigan to the north east corner 
of the State, thence west to range four, thence south to 
town eleven, thence east to the place of beginning. 



28-1: REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

Tliis territory, at the present time, contains twentv- 
seven counties, or parts of counties. The act provided. 
as soon as this county contained three hundred and tifty 
inhabitants, they were authorized to organize, and elect 
county officers, for whicli the Circuit Judge of the 
district was directed to issue his order. Chicago was 
the only village in the new county, and outside of 
which it is believed there was not a white person living, 
with the exception of Indian traders along the Illinois 
river and its tributaries. 

Five years after Putnam county was set off, it wa> 
found to contain about seven hundred inhabitants, the 
most of whom lived on Bureau, about the mouth oi' 
Fox river, and at Chicago, These settlements being S( > 
far apart, scattered, as they were, over a territory more 
than one hundred miles in extent, made organization 
impracticable, and for six years all the legal business of 
Putnam comity was transacted at Peoria. The settlers 
on Bureau had but little to do with legal matters, as 
they had no titles to real estate to look after, and no 
law suits to prosecute or defend. One marriage license 
only was issued at Peoria to settlers on Bureau, — that 
being to Leonard Roth, who married a daughter of 
Timothy Perkins. In the spring of 1831, Charles S. 
Boyd paid seventy-five cents tax to the collector of 
Peoria county, which ^vas the only tax collected of 
settlers within the liuiits of this county, pre\ious to the 
organization of Putnam. 



DESTRUCTION OF BLACK PAETEIDGe's VILLAGE. 235 

A sliort distance below the present site of Henry, 
formerly in Pntnani, bnt now in Marshall county, once 
stood the village of Black Partridge, a celebrated Indian 
chief. The destruction of this village, and the killing 
(»f many of its inhabitants, I believe has never fully 
entered into history, and but few people are familial- 
with the facts therein connected. An account of tins 
affair was communicated to the writer thirty-six years 
ago, by the " Old Ranger," Gen. Wliitesides, who was 
one of the attacking party, and was acquainted with all 
the facts. In September, 1812, Gov. Edwards tilted 
out an expedition against the Indians, on the Illinois 
river, in order to avenge the massacre of the troops at 
Fort Dearborn, which took place a short time previous. 
The volunteers, under Edwards, were on horseback, and 
pursued their way through the unsettled country from 
Bellville te Fort Clark, where they were met by their 
comrades, who had ascended the river in small boats. 
Fi'om Fort Clark the volunteers went up the river for 
the purpose of attacking the village of Black Partridge. 
In their march, they used great caution, so the Indians 
would be taken by surprise, and unprepared to make a 
defense. When they arrived within four miles of the 
village, Wliitesides, with three other young men, volun- 
teered to go forward and reconnoitre the position. Here 
the army remained over night, the soldiers sleeping on 
their arms, so as to be prepared in ease they should be 
attacked. Next morning, at daylight. Gov. Edwards 
ordered the troops forward to attack the village, before 



236 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

the Indians were aware of their presence. Capt. 
Judy's company of spies, to which Whitesides belonged, 
was leading the van, and had proceeded bnt a short 
distance, when they came suddenly upon two Indians, 
on horseback, who raised their hands in token of sub- 
mission. Capt. Judy raised his rifle to fire on them, 
when some of his companions begged for mercy ; but 
the captain replied that he did not leave home to take 
prisoners, and in a moment the dust was seen to raise 
from the Indian's buckskin hunting sliirt, as the rifle 
ball entered his body. The Indian fell from his horse, 
and being mortally wounded, commenced singing his 
death song, while the blood was streaming from his 
mouth and nose. The rangers rode up to the dying 
Indian, who was reeling to and fro, under the torture of 
pain, when all of a sudden he presented his rifle to 
shoot. The rangers sprang from their horses to escape 
the shot, but one of their party, by the name of Wright, 
not being quick enough, was badly wounded. The 
other Indian, who proved to be a squaw, set on her 
horse, spell bound, making no attempt at defense or 
escape. Many shots were fired at her, none of which, 
however, took effect, when she commenced crying, and 
was taken prisoner. 

The Indians at the \dllage were unaware of the 
approach of the army ; many of the warriors were oft' 
on a hunt, the squaws were busy preparing breakfast, 
while the papooses were playing on the green, uncon- 
scious of danger. The rangers pushed forward in great 



EARLY SETTLEMENT. 237 

liMste, shooting down sqnaws and papooses, as they fled 
panic-stricken from their homes. But little resisistance 
was made by the Indians, who fled up the river, leaving 
behind them their ponies, camp equipage, and every- 
thing valuable. Some of the Indians, being badly 
wounded, were unable to make their escape ; these, 
together with a number of small children, were 
butchered in cold blood. 

The village, with all its contents, was burned and the 
ponies, about one hundred in number, were taken ofl' 
by the rangers, who considered them trophies of war. 
While tlie village was burning, an Indian, said to have 
been Black Partridge himself, walked boldly along the 
! )\\\ff, within one liundred and fifty yards of the soldiers, 
and tired his gun at them, after which he laughed long 
and loud, as he walked slowly away. Many shots were 
tired at this Indian, but without effect, and some of the 
rangers started in pursuit, but he made good his escape. 

EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

But few people, at the present time, are aware of the 
hardships that were endured by the early settlers of 
this county. Deprived of every comfort of civilization, 
without schools, churches, and almost without society, 
ill many cases, having only the Indians for their 
neighbors and associates. Their dwellings were rude 
cabins, with a puncheon floor, and clapboard door, 
hung on wooden hinges. Some were obliged to live in 



238 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

a tent until a caljin could be built; others lived foi- 
luonths in a pole sliaiitv, without a Hixjr, eiiininey ur 
door, a bed quilt supplying the place of the latter. 
Their living, too, was also, plain, being deprived of 
almost every luxury of life ; for weeks at a time 
without bread in their house, living on honiiuy and 
potatoes, while their supply of meat was obtained from 
wild game. The place for getting milling done, was 
at a horse-mill near Peoria, wliere some of the pioneers 
went, and waited days for their grist. Many of the 
settlers pounded their corn in a hominy block, and 
grou-nd their wlieat in a coffee mill, taking out the bran 
with a common meal sieve. 

Three years in succession, the early settlers of Bureau 
were driven from their homes on account of Indian 
hostilities, leaving their farms to grow up in weeds, and 
their horses and cattle to run at large on the prairie. 
Living in constant fear of the Indians, not knowing at 
what moment they would be attacked and murdered by 
them. Sometimes they would carry theii- guns with 
them while working in the field, and at night leave 
their cal)in to sleep in the grove, so tliey might esca])e 
should their dwellings be attacked. 

Ague and intermittent fever were very common in 
the early settlement of the county, some seasons the 
inmates of almost every house would l)e down sick. 
one not being able to assist the other. For the iirst 
three years of the settlement, there was no physician in 
the county, and the sick were obliged to rely on such 



EAKLT SETTLEMENT. 2oi' 

remedies as they could obtain. An old ladv, by the 
name of Archer, living east of the Illin(>is ri^■el•, 
practiced midwifery on Bureau, and in some instances 
attending patients who lived twenty or thirty miles 
from her residence. James G. Forristall being afiiicted 
with the ague, went to Peoria for medical treatment, 
and received of Dr. Langworthy, the only })liysician 
of the place, a prescription wiiich was intended to last 
him three months, and with this prescription in liis 
pocket he returned to his cabin, 

William Hoskins, one of the early settlers of this 
county, came here with his family late in tlie fall of 
1830, and during the greater part of the cold v/iirtor 
that followed, he lived in a cabin without door or 
window, a bed quilt supplying the place of the former. 
After moving here, Mr. Hoskins had but fifty cents in 
money left, and for the first six months the family lived 
on hominy and meat ; but one peck of meal was used, 
and that was ground on a hand mill. 

Instances witliout number might be recited, showing 
the hardships endured by the early settlers, but these 
can be supplied by the reader's imagination. 

More than forty years have now passed a\vay simte 

tlie settlement of Bureau was commenced, and great 

has been the change in the country during that time. 

The early pioneer — the hunter, and Indian figliter, with 

a few exceptions, have passed awav — the report of 
3 



240 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

their rifles, and tlie barking of their dogs, are no Idiiger 
heard in Bureau timber. Their rude log cabins havf 
gone to decay, and their places supplied by line build- 
ings, in which people live in the enjoyment of the 
comforts and luxuries of life. 



CHAPTER II. 



INDIANS OF BUREAU. 



The number of Indians that lived within the limits 
of this county is not known; but it is estimated, bj 
those best posted, to be about fifteen hundred, all of 
whom were Pottawatamies. The line between the 
country of the Pottawatamies and Winnebagoes, was 
the Old Indian Boundary Line, which passed through 
the northern portion ot this county. In the timber of 
main Bureau and Green river, the Indians had land 
marks designating this line — the Winnebagoes hunting 
north, and the Pottawatamies soutli of it, and they 
seldom trsspaessed upon each other's rights. Their 
principal chief was named Autuckee, and he lived 
most of his time at Indiantown. He was a tall, athletic 
man, with great physical powers, and exercised mucli 
influence over his tribe. There was another chief, 
known by most of the early settlers, whose name was 
Meonnnuse ; he was a thick, heavy-set man, and spoke 
the English languae:e very well. This chief, with ]ii!> 



24:2 REMINISCENCKS OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

l)rtnd of followers, lived part of each year at the B\iX 
Suii'ar Camp, on Main Bureau, (now in the town of 
Dover), where lie ■:\n(\ his ancestors had made sngar for 
forty-two years in succession. Wasseaw was a chief of 
some note, and was known by a few of the early 
settlers. He is described as being tall and slim, pre- 
possessing in appearance, and he claimed to be a son of 
Senachwine. 

The Indians of Bureau, wei-e low and filthy in their 
habits, possessing (with few exceptions), but few of 
those noble traits which sometimes elevate the savage 
character, and make their history worthy of record. 
But they were peaceable and quiet, living on 
friendly terms with the settlers, and frequently visiting 
their cabins to exchange commodities. As the settle- 
ment increased in numbers, the Indians became dis- 
satisfied with their situation, and left at different times 
from 1832 to 86, to occupy lands assigned them by the 
go^^ernment in Western Kansas. 

Many incidents are given by old settlers, illustrative 
of the peculiar habits of these Indians, and a 
short account of some of them may interest the 
reader. Amos Leonard one day met an Indian, with 
•a deer which he had shot, tied to the tail of his pony, 
and in that way was dragging it into camp. Tlie pony 
was puffing and sweating with fatigue, while the Indian 
sat quietly on his back smoking his pipe. At another 
time, Mr. Leonard saw an Indian dragging a canoe 
;;cross the prairie, in the direction of Green river. A 



INDIANS ON BUREAU. 248 

buckskin string was tied to the canoe, with the otlier 
end around the Indian's waist ; then leaning forward 
and holding on to the pony's mane, the canoe was 
drawn along on the grass. 

Many Indian feasts and war dances were witnessed 
by old settlers, the most remarkable of which took 
place at Indiantown, in the fall of 1880. Black Hawk, 
with many of his warriors, were on their return from 
Canada, where they had been to receive their annual 
iunuities from the British government. Leaving the 
great Sacs and Fox trail, near the crossing of the Galena 
road, Black Hawk and his warriors went to Indiantown, 
stopping and conversing with Mr. Epperson, as they 
passed his cabin. It is said that about one thousand 
warriors were present at this great war dance, and the 
performance is described by an eye witness, John L. 
Ament, as exceeding anything of the kind ever 
witnessed. by the Indians of this county. This dance 
lasted three days, and the yelling of the Indians could 
be heard for miles away. 

Among the many curious customs of the Indians, 
the medical dance is probably the most remarkable. 
With the Pottawatamie Indians, a doctor and a priest 
is one and the same person, and when his skill in roots 
and herbs fail, he appeals to a higher power foi- 
assistance. The friends of the patient are called 
together to assist in invoking the Great Spirit to expel 
the demon from the sick person. If the patient is a 
chief, or a person of importance, the warriors of the 



244 REMINISCENCE8- OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

whole band collect to take part in the ceremony. 
Nicholas Smith, of the town of Bureau, was present at 
one of these dances, which took place on Green river, 
and he describes it as follows: A large number of 
warriors were formed into a circle, and commenced 
dancing to the music of drums, and rattling gourds. 
In the center of the circle stood the priest, or medicine 
man, with the skins of different animals stuffed, so as 
to appear life-like. When the music and dancing 
stopped, the priest took an otter skin in his hand and 
passed around the circle, until he came to one possessed 
of a devil, when he ran the nose of the otter against 
his breast, yelKng " hoa" at the top of his voice. The 
victim fell to the ground, and to all appearance remained 
lifeless. Again the music and dancing commenced, as 
before, and as the dancers marched around the circle, 
they would flourish their tomahawks and war clubs 
over their fallen comrade, in order to drive the devil 
out of him. When the dancing again stopped, the 
medicine man took the skin of a large rattle snake, 
with the rattles singing as though alive, passing around 
the circle until he came to another victim, and brought 
him also lifeless to the ground. This performance was 
continued until every warrior, having a demon in his 
breast, was made pure by the skin of a certain animal- 
Then the dance broke up, and the patients pronounced 
safe. 

Indians generally bury their dead in a shallow grave, 
and deposit with the corpse, knives, tomahaM^ks, and 



INDIANS ON BTJKEATT. 245 

such articles as the deceased would be likely to need in 
the happy hunting ground to which it is believed he 
has gone. Many of the graves were covered over with 
poles, to prevent wolves from digging up and devouring 
the corpses. Early settlers had noticed in Black 
Walnut Grove, an Indian grave surmounted with a 
wooden monument, curiously constructed, intended to 
prevent the wolves from digging up the corpse, as well 
as to perpetuate the memory of the deceased. ]!^othing 
was ever known of the person buried here, bat it was 
supposed to have been a chief, or great warrior. On 
one occasion, about thirty Indians were seen to visit 
this grave, and with their faces painted black, they 
weeped and wailed over this departed loved one. 

On Green river, about two miles above New Bed- 
ford, was an old Indian camping gromid, where Win 
nebago Indians, from Rock river, lived during the 
winter hunts. In the winter of 1831, a chief of some 
note died here, and out of respect for the remains it 
was sepulchered above ground. On a sandy knoll, a 
short distance from camp, the corpse, in a setting posi- 
tion, was tied to a tree, and by the side of which was 
placed a rifle, knife, tomahawk, pipe, tobacco, &c. 
Around the coi-pse high palisades were erected to 
prevent the wolves from devouring it, and in this position 
it was left to decay. 

Children, who died in infancy, were sometimes de- 
posited on trees, the corpse being placed in a trough, and 
fastened by withes to a limb, where they were left to 



246 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

decay, or until the trough containing tlie bones would 
fall to the ground. As late as 1885, two of these 
sepulcliers were found among the branches of trees on 
Green river, which attracted much attention among 
trappei's and hunters. 

Mari-iage rites among the Indians are held sacred, and 
the squaw who A'iolates them is subjected to corporeal 
punishment. Among the males, no odium appears to 
be attached to improprieties, but a female is sometimes 
publicly whipped, and disgraced in society, by cutting 
off' her hair or branded on the check. Young 
maidens, foi* this offence, are made to do penance until 
they are purified, and the evil spirit driven out of them, 
after which they are restored to favor. Early settlers say 
north of Indiantown, in the thick bottom timber, once 
stood a very large cottonwood tree, which was fenced 
around with poles. When a maid had transgressed the 
laws of propriety, she was compelled to remain in this 
pen two days and nights, without food or water, in 
order to drive the demon out of her; when this was 
accomplished, she -was again restored to friends and 
society. 

Young maidens were bought and sold for wi^'es, the 
same as a pony or rifle; a handsome one would be 
equal in value to a number of ponies. The first yeai- 
George Hinsdale spent on Bureau, he raised a fine croj) 
of potatoes, which w'ere at that time in great demand, 
and could be sold to the Indians at a good price, in 
exchange for furs, pelts, (fee. One day a party of 



FIRST SETTLER. OLD UNCLE PETKK. 247 

Indians came to liini, and proposed to swap a liandsonic 
vonnt!,- s(piaw for his potatoes. Mi-. Hinsdale, being at 
that time a single man, and in need of a wife, declined 
the offer; as he could not think of exchanging his 
|K»tatoes, which cost him a hard summer's work, for one. 

FIRST SETTLER OF BUREAU, AND OLD UNCLE PETER. 

On the 5th of May. 1828, Henry Thomas, with his 
family and scanty household, goods, in an ox wagon, 
arrived on Bureau, and made a claim four miles north 
<»f the present site of Wyanet, on a farm now occupied 
l>y Thomas Yaughan. His cabin was built near a small 
branch, at that time skirted with timber. Near the 
cabin was a spring, and by its side passed the great 
Galena road, which had been opened the year before. 
At the time Thomas settled here, there was not a 
permanent resident within thirty miles of him, being- 
alone in a wild, uninhabited country, then in the pos- 
session of Indians. A year or two previous, a few 
families had settled on the Ox Bow Prairie, east of 
the river as well as on the La Salle prairie north of 
Peoria, and a few miners about Galena; with these 
exceptions, all of the State lying north of Peoria, w^as 
an unbroken wilderness. Mr. Thomas built a sliantv 
with cotton wood poles, and covered it with bark, in 
which his family found shelter, until a cabin could be 
built. His cabin was constructed with small logs, so 
that himself and a hired man could raise it, as no 
assistance from neighbors could be obtained. Wliile 



2-18 reminiscencp:s of bureau county. 

tliey were engaged in building this cabin, a part}' oi 
Indians came to them, none of whom could speak or 
understand English, .md by signs and motions, they 
gave Thomas to understand that his building was not 
wanted in that locality. These Indians, with angry 
looks and threatening gestures, left, but soon retnrned 
with an interpreter, to ascertain the object of tlii^ 
building. Mr. Thoma.s told the interpreter that he wa> 
iiol building a fort, as they had supposed, but a wigwam 
for Ills wjuaw and pappooses to live in, and he intended 
to be tliei]' friend and neighbor. The Indians appeared 
satisfied with this explanation, and some of them went 
to work and assisted them in handling the logs of the 
cabin. Before the cabin was completed, Mr. Thomas 
commenced breaking prairie, which was the first sod 
broke within the limits of Bureau county. In the fall, 
his wife, being in a delicate situation, went to visit hei' 
friends, in Tazewell county, and returned soon after- 
wards, with her niece, Miss Elizabeth Baggs, now Mrs. 
Geo. Hinsdale ; who is the oldest settler now living in 
this county.* 

Soon after Mr. Thomas came to Bureau, an Indian 
chief of some note came to his house, and proposed to 
buy his niece. Miss Elizabeth Baggs, a handsome young 
Miss of fourteen sununers, to make a wife for his son. 
Mr. Thomas, who was always fond of a joke, agreed to 
ii\VH\) the girl f >i' the chief's fa\oi-ite pony. Next day 



* Mr. Thomas' second daughter, Mary, now Mrs. SeUs, was the first 
whUe ohild born within the limits of Bureau county. 



FIRST SETTLEES. OLD UNCLE PETER. 249 

tlie chief, with some of his friends, and aecom]'anied hy 
liis son, wlio was along to claim liis hride, called on Mr. 
l^homas to carry ont the conditions of the trade. Mr. 
Thomas then told him that the girl did not belong to 
him, and he conld not exchange her for a pony withont 
her parent's consent. But the chief insisted on the 
swap, and when he fonnd it wonld not be carried (jut. 
he became angry, saying, as he left, that there was no 
reliance in the promise of a white man. 

Soon after Mr, Thomas came to Burean, he and his 
tkmily were sitting before a blazing fire, one dark, 
rainy night, when a stranger called at the door, asking- 
admittance. He did not ring the bell, nor rap on the 
door, for the cabin contained neither, but with his 
ramrod he struck a bed quilt which supplied the place 
of a door. Thomas asked who was there, and the 
reply was, a friend ; as the voice was recognized, he 
replied, " Come in Uncle Peter, as long as I have a 
home I will share it with you." Peter Demott, for it 
was he, was an old pioneer hunter, who had spent 
much of his life in the wilds of the west, Mr. Tliomas 
had made his acquaintance the year before, while ex- 
]")loring the country, and now regarded him as an old 
friend. For twelve years, Demott, made his home 
with Thomas, and occupied his time in hunting and 
trapping. With his gun and blanket, he would spend 
weeks at a time hunting on Green river, or at groves 
in the west })art of the county, camping out at night, 
sometimes, sleeping in a liolloM^ log, or bunking with 



2.')0 EEMINISCENOES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

Indians. Uncle Peter, as he was generally called, \v;is 
a man of line education, a surveyor by profession, but 
in his youthful days was crossed in love, when he left 
the abode of civilization to live the life of a hermit, 
away from kindred and friends. Uncle Peter spent nnicl i 
of his time with Indians, speaking their language, and 
learning much of their history. He was a man oi' 
general intelligence, a close observe er of nature, and to 
him the writer is indebted for many things relating to 
the Indians of this county, as well as other matters 
connected with the early settlement. 



CHAPTER III. 



ARRIVAL OF EMIGRANTS. 



In the spring of May, 1828, a covered wagon, drawn 
by four yoke of cattle, was seen on Kellogg's trail, 
going northwards, in the direction of the lead mines. 
This wagon belonged to a family by the name of 
Anient, and consisted of six brothers — three of whom 
were men grown, and the other three were boys, 
ranging in age from twelve to seventeen. At Boyd's 
Grove they fonnd John Dixon, with some of his friends 
from Peoria, engaged in building a cabin, which cabin 
was occupied some weeks later by his family. At a 
little point of timber, which extended out from West 
Bureau, they came across Henry Thomas, with his 
family, living in a tent, having arrived there only a few 
days before. By the road side, at the east end of Red 
Oak Grove, where O. Denham now lives, the Aments 
pitched their tent, with the intention of making this 
place their future home. At that time no cal)in had 
been built north of La Salle prairie, and from thei'c to 



252 REMmiSCENOES OF BUREAU COUNTY, 

the lead mines, a distance of one hundred and foi'tv 
miles, no marks of civilization could be seen except the 
tents of Dixon and Thomas, above referred to. The 
timber and prairie of Bureau county had not yet been 
explored by the enterprising pioneers, and the proba- 
bihties are, with the exception of surveyors and tin- 
traders, no white man had ever crossed the Princeton 
prairie. 

For two years the Aments kept a house of entertain- 
ment — the small boys doing the housework, while the 
larger ones were engaged in making a farm. They also 
traded much with the Indians, buying of them furs and 
pelts, and sending them south to sell. When the 
Galena road left Aments' cabin, they became dissatisfied 
with their location. Justus and John L. went south 
for wives, and settled on Main Bureau, while Edward, 
with his younger brother, went to the Fox river 
country, and made it their permanent home. 

In the spring of 1829, Sylvester Brigham and War- 
ren Sherley, two young men from Massachusetts, arrived 
at Henry Thomas', after having traveled on foot from 
Detroit, with knapsacks on their backs. After spending 
a few days in looking at the country, Mr. Brigham 
made a claim on the west side of West Bureau timber, 
on a farm now occupied by George Hinsdale, and Mr. 
Sherley made a claim at the head of the gro\'e, wliicli 
place was afterwards known as Heaton's Point. After 
working a few months on their claims, they returned 
east again, where Mr. Sherley remained. 



ARRIVAL OF EMIGRANTS. ZOo 

Next spring Mr. Brighain returned to his claim, 
acc'onipaiiied by James G, Forristall, whose jolly, good- 
natured face was, for the first time, seen in the Bureau 
settlement. The travelers had descended the Ohio 
river, and up the Illinois as far as Peoria, on a steamboat, 
and the boat on which they came was the first one that 
ever reached that place. This was the steamer Yolun- 
teer, and her arrival at Peoria, m April, 1830, astonished 
both whites and Indians, many of whom had never 
seen a steamboat before. The arrival of the Volunteer 
caused much rejoicing among the people ; many swung 
their hats and shouted, while Bogardus, one of the 
leading men of the place, brought out an old bhmder- 
l)nss, planted it in the sand, and iired a salute in honor 
of her arrival. 

On the arrival of Brigham and Forristall, they made 
claims on the east side of main Bureau timber, (now in 
the town of Dover) ; here they built cabins, and occupied 
them for some years alone, both being single men. Mr. 
Brigham lived on his claim twenty-live years, thoi 
went west, and is at present living in Kansas. Mr. 
Forristall still lives near wdiere he took his first claim, 
being one among the few left of the early settlers of 
Bureau. 

The portraits of Mr. Brigham and Mr, Forristall will 
be found in this book, and they will be recognized by 
many of the old citizens of Bureau. 

In the sunnner t)f 1829, Abram Sti'atton, then a 
young man, in company with a friend ijy the name nf 



254 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

Burrell, traveled from the State of New York to Bureau 
on foot, with knapsacks on their backs. After explorinjj 
the country further south, Mr. Stratton made a claim 
on West Bureau, where he now lives, and consequently 
he is one of the first settlers of this county. About 
one year after coming here, Mr. Stratton returned east 
to make preparations for a permanent settlement in 
the west. While east, he selected farming utensils, 
such as plow irons, hoes, spades, &c., for himself and 
two of his neighbors; having boxed them up, he 
shipped them west, by the way of the lakes. Late in 
the iall the boxes containing the goods were landed 
from a schooner at the mouth of St. Joseph river, and 
about the same time Mr. Stratton arrived there on foot. 
Being late in the fall, no vessel would be likely to cross 
the lake before spring, so Mr. Stratton employed two 
Frenchmen, with a pirogue, to take him and his goods 
around the head of the lake to Chicago, one hundred 
and twenty miles distant. Winter was now close at 
liand — the lake so rough that their frail craft could 
scarcely buffet the waves, and many times they were 
compelled to land, unload their goods on the beach, and 
wait for the water to calm. After nine days spent in 
making this perilous voyage, they at last came in siglit 
of the stars and stripes that floated over Fort Dearborn. 
On arriving at Chicago, Mr. Stratton had his boxes 
conveyed to Plainfield, thirty miles southwest. Hei'e 
lie bought a yoke of cattle, made a sled, on which his 
boxes were placed, and proceeded on his journey 




A BR AM STRATTON. 



ARRIVAL OF EMIGRANTS. 257 

westwai'd. The snow at the time Avas very deep, tlie 
weatlier cold, and part of the way no road could l»e 
seen, and the course was taken from grove to o-ro\e. 
On arriving at Hartzell's trading house, on the Illinois 
river, Mr, Hartzell proposed to show him the way 
across the river and through the timber of the bottom ; 
but when about to start, a large nundjer of Indians 
came in to trade, and he could not leave. Mr. Stratton, 
on receiving directions concerning the route, went on 
alone. Being directed to cross the river above the 
point of Hennepin Island, then go up stream on the 
ice, until he came to a blazed tree, from which he could 
lind a road through the timber, cut out a few weeks 
before, by Timothy Perkins and others. After ffoine- 
a short distance uj) the river, the ice cracked from the 
weight of the cattle and sled, and being fearful of 
breaking in, he left it. for the shore, but here he was 
without a road, and was obliged to cut one through the 
timljer ; in doing so he lost his reckoning, and the day 
was spent in finding his way out of the river timber. 
It was a cold, windy day, the thermometer below 
zero, the snow three feet deep, and drifted in places so 
that a road had to be made with a shovel before the 
oxen could get through. When Stratton arrived on 
the Princeton prairie, in vain he searched along the 
timber for Epperson's residence, sometimes going north, 
then south along the margin of the grove. Night 
came on, and his cattle gave out, so he encamped in the 
edge of the grove, near where John H. Bi-yant now 



"258 KEMINISCENOES OF BtJKEAU COUNTY, 

lives. Shoveling away the snow, a place was made to 
camp, into which the cattle and sled was brought. 
Stratton cut down a dry tree, and as it fell it buried 
itself in the snow. With flint and tinder, (matches 
not being in use in those days ), he built a fire, by the 
side of which he remained until morning. Next 
morning, after cutting down a small tree for his cattle 
to browse, he started on foot, in search of Epperson's 
cabin, which he succeeded in finding; and next day 
he reached his claim on "West Bureau, after spending 
two weeks in making a trip from Plainfield, For many 
years Mr. Stratton kept this yoke of cattle and sled — 
with them he frequently went to church or a visiting, 
and with them he fled from the country at the commence 
ment of the Black Hawk war. 

In the tall of 1831, Mr. Stratton married Miss Sarah 
Baggs, a niece of Henry Thomas, and their wedding 
was the second one celebrated within the limits of this 
county. 

It is a tact worthy of note — Abram Stratton, Ezekiel 
Thomas, and Michael Kitterman, are the only persons 
in this county, who continue to live on claims, which 
they made previous to the Black Hawk war. 

About the first of March, 1880, Elijah Epperson, with 
his tamily, arrived on Bureau, in search of a place to make 
his future home. Leaving the Galena road, at Boyd's 
Grove, they crossed the prairie, near the mouth of 
Bureau creek, and stayed over night with Timothy 
Perkins. Next day they went in search of a claim. 



ARRIVAL OF EMiaRANTS. 259 

iuid bv their wagon, the first ti'aek ^as made across 
tlie Princeton prairie. Mr. Epperson, and his son 
Hezekiah, followed up Binxjau tinilxjr, in search of a 
si)ring, nntil they came to the present residence of James 
G. Forristall, and here they were surprised to find 
John L. and Justus Ament, engaged in building a 
cabin. Retracing their steps, they found in the timber, 
where F. Stoner now lives, a good spring, and by the 
side of which they built a cabin. Here Mr. Epperson 
settled, and here lived until his death, and he will long 
be remembered as one of the early pioneers of Bureau 
county. 

Probably there is no one among the pioneers of 
Bureau county, whose life has been so eventful, and 
v.'ho became so extensively known throughout the 
country, as Dad Joe, In the spring of 1825, he moved 
from Kentucky to Peoria, was one of the first commis- 
sioners of Peoria county, and assisted in its organization. 
A few years afterwards, Dad Joe moved to the lead 
mines, but left it on the breaking out of tlie Win- 
nebago war, and settled at Rock Island. He had made 
a claim near Black Hawk's village, and was engaged in 
making a farm, when difiiculty arose between the 
settlers and Indians, which caused many of the former 
to flee from the country. 

One day while Dad Joe was absent, a party of 
drunken Indians attacked his family, probably witli the 
intenti(m of murdering them. While his wife was in 
the door yard, an Indian struck her on the head with 



260 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

his tomahawk, knocking lier down, and cutting her head 
in a shocking manner ; as he was about to repeat the 
blow, Young Joe, then a hid of twelve years of age. 
rode his horse on the Indian, and thereby thwarted the 
fatal stroke. Nicholas, an older son, ran to the rescue 
of his mother, and was about to shoot the Indian, but 
prudence dictated otherwise, knowing, in that event, 
the whole family, with all the settlers about Rock 
Island, would be massacred. It was after dark when 
Dad Joe returned to his home, to learn of an attempt 
to murder his wife, and it was with difficulty that he 
was restrained from taking revenge on the Indians. 

Dad Joe, knowing that the life of himself and family 
would be insecure at Rock Island, left it, and in the 
spring of 1830 he settled at a grove which still bears 
his name. 

It was a cold, windy day, in early spring when Dad 
Joe, with his tainily and all his household goods in a 
two horse wagon, arrived at the grove. Having been 
twice driven from his home on account of Indians, he 
concluded to make this grove his permanent residence, 
although off from a public road, and only two families 
living within twenty miles of him. On the east side ol 
the grove a tent was pitched, in which the tamily found 
shelter until a cabin could be built. Soon after settling 
at the grove. Dad Joe conceived a plan of changing the 
Galena road, which passed hy Red Oak Grove, so as 
to go by his cabin. Accoi'dingly he staked out the new 
road, built a bridge across the Inlet, and in a few weeks 



HAMPSHIRE COLONY. 261 

it became a beaten track. For six years Dad Joe lived 
at the grove keeping a house of entertainment, and (jii 
leaving there he settled four miles north of Princeton, 
when he died in 1852. 



HAMPSHIRE COLONY. 

On the 23d of March, 1881, a colony was formed at 
Northampton, Massachusetts, for the purpose of settling 
in the west. This colony organized a religious society, 
which was called the "Hampshire Colony Congrega- 
tional Church," and consisted of eighteen members, 
and it formed the nucleus of the present Congregational 
Church, of Princeton. By agreement, the members of 
the colony met at Albany, New York, on the 5th of 
May, for the purpose of continuing their journey 
westward. From here they went on a canal boat to 
Buflt'alo, and from there on a steamer to Detroit. At 
this place they expected to obtain passage on a schooner 
for Chicago; no steaml)oat had at that time passed 
around the lake, and all the commerce was carried on 
by sail vessels oidy. The schooner on which they 
expected passage, was already loaded, and could not 
take them on board, consequently they were left on 
shore. On learning that it would be about three 
months before another schooner would leave for Chicago, 
tliey hired teams and pursued their journey by land. 
On arriving at Mottsville, on the St. Joseph river, 
Michigan, two of the horses belonging to the teams 



262 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU OUNTY. 

(lied, and some of the party were obliged to continue 
the journey on foot. They bought two canoes, lashed 
them together, and proceeded down the river sixty-five 
miles, to the portage, or big swamp, five miles in 
length, which connected with the Kankakee river. 
In their canoes they passed down the Kankakee, and 
Illinois rivers, to the mouth of Big Yermillion, nearly 
opposite the present site of Lasalle. At this point 
they were met by their agent, Mr. Jones, who had 
preceeded them, and had selected what was afterwards 
known as Princeton prairie, for their future homes. 

At that time, the settlers on Bureau, were all 
absent from their homes, having fled on account of 
Indian troubles; and to the colonists, things looked 
gloomy, and discouraging. The colonists remained at 
Baily's Point, east of the river, until a treaty- with the 
Indians was concluded at Rock Island; and the settlers 
returned to their cabins. Dr. Chamberlain, and Eli 
and Elijah Smith, joined in buying a wagon and two 
yoke of cattle, so as to move tlieir families and house- 
hold goods, to Bureau. At that time, Phillips, Brig- 
ham, and Korristall, three single men, occcu]3ied a 
cabin where Mi". Forristall, now lives, and to this cabin 
the emigrants were bound. Without any road across 
the prairie, they left Spring creek timber, shaping their 
course in a northwest direction, so as to strike Bureau 
at the desired point. In a stream on the prairie, ( sup- 
posed to be Brush creek), their wagon stuck fast in the 
mud, and as it was near night they left it and proceeded 



HAMPSHIRE COLONY. '268 

OH their journey. Dr. Chamberlain, was riding the 
onl}^ horse that belonged to the party, and he took 
Mrs. Eli Smith, on behind him. Elijah Smith mounted 
an ox, with his wife behind him ; Eli Smith was on 
another steer, with Oscar Chamberlain, riding behind 
him. Others of the party were mounted on the otlier 
two steers, and in this way they started for Phillip's claim, 
about ten miles distant. On reaching East Bureau 
creek, at a little grove near the present site of Maiden, 
night overtook them, and in the darkness they fonnd it 
impossible to proceed further. Here in this little grove 
they decided to stay all night, and without tents or 
bedding, they laid down among the brush to sleep. 
Next morning the men mounted the steers, with their 
women on behind them, as they had done the evening 
before, and retnrned to their wagon ; the wagon at last 
was extricated from the mud, and they proceeded on 
their way. It was late in the afternoon when the 
emigrants reached Phillip's cabin, and their journey to 
the west, was at an end. 

A few days before starting for the west, Eli and 
Elijah Smith w^ere married to two sisters, and their 
journey to Illinois, occupying about three months, which 
will long be remembered by them, as their wedding 
tour. 

When the Hampshire Colony arrived on Bureau. 
Mr. Epperson was the only person living in Princeton 
township, and he assisted them in selecting their claims. 
The colonists surveyed the land from Epperson's claim. 



264 BEMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

for tive miles up Main Bureau timber, and staked off" 
their claims; but few of them settled on the land 
assigned them. Dr. N. Chamberlin located one and 
one-half miles south of Princeton, on a farm now 
belonging to Mr. Dee. Eli and Elijah Smith built a 
double log cabin, on Bureau bluff, three miles north of 
Princeton, Among the young men of the colony, 
were C. G. Corss, George Hinsdale, Aaron Gunn, John 
P. Blake, E. H. and E. S. Phelps, Jr. Aaron Gunn 
made a claim on the Doolittle farm, and afterwards at 
La Moille, but is now living in La Salle. Mr. Corss 
made a claim two and one-half miles southeast of 
Princeton, on which he lived until his death, which 
occurred a few years ago. Jolin G. Blake made a claim 
where Arthur Bryant now lives, but soon afterwards 
went east of the river, where he settled. Mr. Blake 
now lives in Putnam county, and for many years was 
county judge. E. H. Phelps is now living in Princeton, 
and is one among the tew original members left of the 
Hampshire Colony Church. E. S. Phelps, Sen., also 
lives in Princeton, l)ut is far advanced in life. E. S. 
Phelps, Jun., lives in Wyanet. and has been long 
known as a contributor to the public journals of Bureau 
county. 

The settlement made by the colonists was called 
Greenfield, and Elijah Smith was appointed postmaster. 

Their church, when organized on Bureau, consisted 
of only six members, and meetings were held alterna- 
tivelv at the cabins of Charaberlin's and Smith's. Before 



[HAMPSHIRE COLONY. 265 

leaving Massachusetts, their friends presented them with 
a silver scarament set. This set was left during the 
Black Hawk war, at the house of Elijah Smith, and 
was stolen either by whites or Indians. Next spring 
after the war, when the prairie was buraed, apart of this 
sacramental set was found on West Bureau, but was 
much damaged by the burning of the grass. 

On account of the Indian war, the Hampshire Colony 
was partly broken up ; many of its members left the 
country, and settled in other localities, which were less 
exposed to Indian depredations. E. S. Phelps, Sen., 
and Alva Whitmarsh were members of the colony, but 
went south with their familes, and did not settle on 
Bureau, until some years afterwards. 

Although the Hampshire Colony did not meet with 

such success as its projectors expected, still it formed 

the nucleus for a large New England settlement here. 

and many of the enterprising citizens of Bureau county 

came here in consequence of it. 
6 



CHAPTER IV. 



EXPLORING THE COUNTRY. 



In the summer of 1829, Henry and Ezekiel Thomas, 
in company with four other persons, from Tazewell 
county, made a tour eastward to see the country. This 
party were all mounted on horseback, and supplied with 
provisions, blankets, &c., so they could camp out at 
night. Leaving Henry Thomas, on the morning of a 
bright summer day, they followed up Main Bureau 
timber, for a number of miles, then made their way 
eastward along the north side of the Illinois river 
timber. Not a settler nor one mark of civilization was 
to be seen through the limits of Bureau county. The 
party followed up the river to the foot of the rapids, 
near Starved Rock, where they forded it and explored 
the country, on the east side, along the great bend of 
the Illinois river. On their return homeward they 
came to Hartzell's Trading House, which was located on 
the bank of the river, a short distance above Hennepin 
Island. At that time there was no ferjyboat, and the 



EXPLORING THE COUNTRY. 267 

party were compelled to swim tlieir horses aei'oss the 
ri\er. Ezekiel Thomas took the lead, and was followed 
l)y the rest of the party in Indian Hie, whose horses 
were soon floundering in the placid waters of the 
Illinois, When part way across the girth of Heni*y 
Thomas's saddle broke, and the saddle with the rider 
floated off by the current, while the horse continued on 
his way for the opposite shore. Mr. Thomas being left 
alone in the middle of the river, managed to keep 
himself and saddle afloat, until he was rescued by a 
man in a canoe. 

The party being safely landed on the west side of the 
river, found their way Avith great difiiculty through the 
thick timber of the river bottom. As they came nigh 
the present site of Bureau valley mills, they discovered 
a wagon track, which excited their curiosity, as no person 
was then living west of the Illinois river, except Henry 
Thomas and the Anient family. The party turned 
their horses about and followed the wagon track, in 
order to obtain a clue to this mysterous affair. The 
track crossed the creek, and wound along the blufi', 
until it came to a small opening in the timber, since 
known as Hoskins' prairie. Here by the side of a 
spring, where the family of Bro^vn Searl now lives, 
they found two families encamped. The emigrants, 
had cut down a large tree, against the trunk of which 
a tire was built, and fronting the tire was a clotli tent 
to shield their families from the sun and rain. The 
women were busy with their- domestic affairs, while 



268 EEMINISOENOES OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 

the men were off deer hunting, in order to supply 
them with meat. 

The names of these two emigrants were Amos 
Leonard and Daniel Dimmick, both of whom were 
prominent in the early settlement of this county, and 
a further account of them will be found in another part 
of this work. They were from Knox county, Ohio, 
and had traveled from there with an ox team. Crossing 
the river at Peoria, they followed up on the west side 
until they came to Bureau, when they stopped, with 
the intention of making it their future home. 

SETTLERS FLEE FROM THEIR HOMES. 

In the spring of 1831, the settlers on Bureau were 
apprehensive of trouble with the Indians, as rumors 
were in circulation that different tribes had united for 
the purpose of making war on the frontier settlement. 
Black Hawk, with a part of his band, had crossed the 
Mississippi, and had taken possession of his old village 
near Rock Island. Trouble existed between these 
Indians and the settlers, who had laid claim to the Indian 
cornfields and wigwams, and were unwilling to gi\'e 
them up, on their return to the village. In order to 
prevent bloodshed. Gov. Reynolds called out seven 
hundred volunteers, to protect the settlers, as well as to 
intimidate the Indians. In the later part of June, 
these volunteers, accompanied by Gen. Gain's with a 
regiment of regulars, repaired to Rock Island, to ]nit 



SETTLERS FLEE FROM THEIR HOMES. 269 

ail end to tliese dlstiirbaiiees. On the approaeli of the 
army, the Indians fled west of the Mississippi, and this 
l)loodless victory was celebrated by tiring of cannon. 
Tlie report of Gen. Gaines' cannon was heard on 
Burean, and the settlers believing that hostilities had 
eonmienced, fled from their homes. At that time, 
there were only sixteen families living within the limits 
of Bnvean connty, while the comitry north, and west, 
was an unbroken wilderness without one habitation of 
white men; so that Bureau settlement occupied a 
frontier position, without protection from forts, or 
military posts. A report was current that the Indians 
of Bureau had gone west to join Black Hawk, and a 
raid on the settlement might be expected at any time. 
A traveler, oil the Sac and Fox trail, said he met near 
Bureau Grove, about five hundred warriors, going west- 
ward ; for the purpose as he supposed, of joining the Sac 
and Foxes at Rock Island. 

The families of Elijah Epperson, John Williams, 
John L. and Justus Ament, hearing these reports, and 
the firing of cannon at Rock Island ; started to leave 
the country, and had procceeded as far as Round Point, 
where the city of Princeton now stands, where they 
halted, for consultation; some being in favor of con- 
tinuing on their way, while others opposed it. After 
a long parley, it was agreed that Shaubena should be 
consulted in regard to their safety, in case they remained 
in the country, and by his decision they would abide. 
Hezekiah Epperson and Justus Ament went to 



270 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

Shaubeiia's camp, wliicli was tlien located ou the Corss 
run east of the Doolittle farm, while the remainder of 
the fugitives, with their ox teams returned to Epperson's 
cabin to await events. When the messengers arrived 
at Shaubena's camp, thej did not find him at home, 
having gone on business to Hartzell's Trading House, 
but the}^ left word on his return to come immediately 
to Epperson's cabin, where his friends were in waiting 
for him. 

Men, women and children, were collected in the door 
yard, fronting the cabin, undecided what to do, when 
in the distance they heard the clattering of a horse's 
feet, and in a moment, Shaubena, with his pony on a 
gallop, was seen coming through the timber and across 
the Epperson ran, in the direction of the cabin. As 
he rode up to the settlers, he raised his hand high above 
his head, and addressed them with " Buzu Necons,'' 
which is in English, "How do you do, my friends." 
The men collected around Shaubena, to learn his 
opinion in relation to the war, and what he thought' 
about their remaining longer in the country. In answer 
to these inquiries, Shaubena said he thought there 
would be trouble between the whites and Sacs and 
Foxes. The young men, he thought, might stay on 
their claims and raise a crop, but the squaws and 
pappooses should leave the country immediately. The 
oxen were again hitched on to the wagons, and thev 
all fled east of the Illinois river. On the Ox Bom' 
prairie, a call was made for volunteers to assist the 



SETTLERS FLEE FROM THEIR HOMES. 271 

Bureau settlers in taking away their property, when 
about fifty came forward, who marched fortliwith for 
Bureau settlement. 

A short time previous, Thomas Hartzell, and Ira 
Ladd, built a small boat, and established a ferry at the 
head of Hennepin Island. At this ferry, tlie rangers 
were taken across, which occupied several hours, as the 
boat could only carry six horses and their riders at a 
time. When the rangers were all landed on the west 
side of the river, they put their horses on a canter for 
Indiantown. 

It was a bright June day, without a cloud in the 
sky, and the wild flowers along Bureau valley, were in 
full bloom ; birds were singing among the branches 
of the trees, and the rippling water of Bureau creek 
could be heard, as it glided quietly on its way to the 
river. 

As the rangers cantered their horses up the valle}-, 
crossing and re-crossing the creek, at short intervals ; 
they were enchanted by the beauty of the surrounding 
scenery. Their loud talk and merry laugh, as well as 
the clattering of their horses feet, could be heard at a 
distance, and the sound of which was made to re-echo 
from the surrounding bluffs. 

All was quiet at the Indian village ; athletic hunters 
were lazily lying around under the shade of trees. 
The squaws were at work in their cornfields, and scores 
of pappooses were playing on the green, when all of 
a sudden the Indians discovered this armed force 



272 REMINtSCEJlCJES OF BtTREAtJ COUNTY. 

approac'liiiiii; their village, and believing that they were 
about to be attacked, they tied in great haste. War- 
riors, with rifles in their hands, and squaws, with 
pappooses on their backs, were seen in great numbers, 
climbing the bluff south of the village, while others 
mounted their ponies, and putting them at the top of 
their speed, fled up Bureau bottom, and were soon out 
of sight of the rangers. 

An old Indian, who was confined to his couch by 
sickness, believing that his time had come, commenced 
singing his death song, and was prepared to depart to 
the happy hunting ground. 

John Griffith, one of the rangers, who afterwards 
owned a saw mill on Bureau creek, followed the Indians, 
and speaking well the Pottawatamie language, prevailed 
on their chiefs, and principal warriors to return. 
Autuckee, Meommuse and Grirty, with others returned 
to their village and had a talk with the rangers. In 
this conference they stated that they had no intention 
of going to war, and until then they were not aware of 
the flight of the settlers. The rangers were now con- 
vinced, that the alarm was without any foundation, so 
far as the Pottawatamies were concerned, and they 
returned to their homes. 

Seven young men, belonging to this company of 
rangers, among whom were Madison Studyvin, John 
Griffith, Ira Ladd, and Jonathan "Wilson, being desirous 
of seeing the country, continued their journey west- 
ward, and stayed over night at Henry Thomas, Next 



SETTLERS FLEE FKOM THEIR HOMES. 273 

day, as they were returning home, they saw, while on 
the Princeton prairie, three men on horseback, travel- 
ing westward, and being fond of sport, galloped their 
horses towards them. These three men proved to be 
Epperson, Jones and P'oot, who were on their way to 
Epperson's cabin. Mistaking the rangers for Indians, 
they wheeled their horses about, and fled in the direction 
of Hennepin. The panic was complete, and the 
fugitives urged their horses forward under the whip, 
believing the preservation of their scalps depended on 
the fleetness of their steeds. Saddle-bags, blankets, 
and other valuables, were thrown away to facilitate their 
speed. On they went, at a fearful rate, pursued by 
the rangers. In the flight. Foot's horse fell down, 
throwing the rider over his head; but Epperson and 
Jones made no halt, having no time to look after their 
unfortunate comrade, but leaving him to the tender 
mercies of savages, they continued on their way. 
When the fugitives arrived at the Hennepin ferry, they 
were exhausted from fright and over exertion ; their 
horses were in a foam of sweat, while loud puffs of 
breath came forth from their expanded nostrils. Above 
the snorting of the horses, and clattering of their feet, 
were heard the hoarse voices of the riders, crying, at the 
top of their voice, " Injuns, Injuns." On the west side of 
the river were a number of people looking after their 
cattle, which had been driven from their claims, and 
on hearing the cry of Injuns, they, too, ran for their 

lives. Epperson and his comrade sprang from their 

7 



1 



274 EEMINISCENOES OF BUEEA.U COUNTY. 

horses, and ran for the ferry boat, sajdng they had been 
chased by a large body of Indians, who were but a 
short distance behind, and would be upon them in a 
moment. As quick as possible, the ferry boat left for 
the opposite shore ; one man being left behind, jumped 
into the river, and swam to the boat, when all were 
safely landed on the Hennepin side. Soon after 
Epperson and his comrade were landed on the east side 
of the river, and before the panic subsided, the sup- 
posed Indians arrived, when the whole matter was 
explained. 

Foot and Jones were single men, and belonged to the 
Hampshire Colony, having arrived in the county a 
short time before. Foot had made a claim two miles 
north of Princeton, on a farm now occupied by John 
Shugart, and Jones claimed the land where James 
Garvin now resides. This terrible scare disgusted them 
with the country, and neither of them ever returned to 
make good their claims, but settled east of the river. 



HICKORY RIDGE. 

A short distance below the mouth of Bureau creek, 
formerly covered with thick timber, is a slight elevation, 
running parallel with the river, and called Hickory 
Eidge. In the early settlement of the country, and at 
times of high water, this ridge was made a place of 
landing for the Hennepin ferry-boat. According to 
tradition, this place has been the scene of a number of 



HICKOKY RIDGE, 275 

incidents, which occurred long before the settlement of 
the country. 

In September, 1681, according to the Jesuit history, 
a company of French soldiers, commanded by Capt. 
Tonti, were stationed by La Salle at Fort St. Louis, on 
Buffalo Rock, two miles below the present site of 
Ottawa. To escape from being massacred by Indians, 
these soldiers abandoned the fort, and escaped at night, in 
their canoes, down the river. After proceeding on their 
way about twenty miles, they stopped at the mouth of 
a large creek to dry their clothing, and repair their 
canoes. This large creek referred to, must have been 
Bureau, as no other stream on the route will answer 
this description. "With this party of soldiers were 
two noted missionaries, named Father Zenable and 
Gabriel, who had devoted their lives to the conversion 
of Indians. While the party were engaged in repairing 
their canoes. Father Gabriel, who was fond of solitude, 
followed down the bank of the river, wandering off 
into the thick timber of the bottom and was missing 
when the time of departure an'ived. He was searched 
for in vain ; guns were fired, and fires built along the 
bank of the river, but all to no purpose. After waiting 
many hours, they gave him up for lost, and proceeded 
on their journey. It was afterwards ascertained that 
he was taken prisoner by a band of savages, carried off' 
and murdered by them. The loss of Father Gabriel 
was much regi'etted, as he was an old man of seventy 
years, and much devoted to the work of the church. 



276 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

On the upper end of this ridge, a few rods below the 
mouth of the creek, a Frenchman, named Beuro, from 
whom the stream took its name, built a trading house, 
but at what period is not known. Antonia Desehamps, 
who for many years was an agent of the American Fur 
Company, and spent most of his long life at Fort 
Clark, said, when a boy, previous to the year 1790, he 
saw eveiy spring canoes loaded with furs and buffalo 
robes, and other skins, pass down the river from Beuro's 
trading house. The Indians say Beuro died, while 
his agent with canoes loaded with furs, was on a trip 
to St. Louis, and his wife, who was a Pottawatamie 
squaw, put his stock of goods into canoes, and took 
them to her people, living at the mouth of Fox river. 

After the destruction of Black Partridge's village, 
which occurred in September, 1812, by volunteers 
under Gov. Edwards, as previously stated, part of the 
band took refuge on Hickory Ridge. These Indians, 
thinking that the volunteers would pursue them up the 
river in their boats, tore down the old trading house of 
Beuro, and with the logs built a breastwork on the 
river bank, so they could fire on them as they ascended 
the river. Gerton S. Hubbard says this breastwork 
was still standing when he came to the country, in the 
year 1818.* It appears the volunteers did not ascend 



* A few years ago, David S. MiUer cut the timber off Hicliory Ridge, 
and put ttie land under cultivation. On the upper end of the ridge, 
many relies of the past were found, showing where a dwelling once 
stood. Pieces of pottery, glassware, and other relics of civilization^ 
were found imbedded in the ground. On the bank of the riverare still 



HICKOKY RIDGE. 277 

the river in boats, as the Indians expected, but a part 
of them on horseback, commanded by Lieut. Robenson, 
came up to Bureau creek, and from that circumstance 
the stream took the name of Robenson river, wliicli 
appeared on the old State maps, 

to be seen the signs of a breast work or fortification. Tliirty years ago, 
Cyrus Langworthy, in cutting timber on this ridge, found a rifle baU 
in a tree, wliich, according to tlie growth, must have been imbedded 
there some seventy years before. 



CHAPTER V. 



SETTLEMENT OF LEEPERTOWN AND H0SKIN8 PRAIRIE. 

It has already been stated that Amos Leonard and 
Daniel Dimmick settled on the Hoskins' prairie, in the 
summer of 1829, and were, therefore, the first settlers, 
with one exception, in the eastern part of the county. 
A few weeks after they came to the county, Timothy 
Perkins and Leonard Eoth, ( the latter a single man ), 
came to Bureau, and built a cabin near the present site 
of Leepertown mills. In the spring of 1830, John Hall 
came in the settlement, bought the claims of Leonard 
and Dimmick, and on them he made a large farm. In 
the fall of the same year Wm. Hoskins and John Clarke 
made claims in this vicinity, and became permanent 
settlers. Dimmick, having sold his claim, went to 
Dimmick's Grove ( now La Moille), where he lived two 
years, and then left the country. During the simamer 
of 1830, Amos Leonard, who was a mill-wright by 
trade, built a grist mill on East Bureau, about eighty 
rods above its mouth. This mill was constructed with 



LEEPERTOWN AND HOSKINS' PRAIRIE. 279 

romid logs, twelve feet square, and all its iiiachiiiery, 
with a few exceptions, were made of wood. The mill 
stones were dressed out of boulder rocks, which were 
taken trom the bluffs near by, and the hoop they ran 
in was a section of a hollow sycamore tree. This mill, 
when in runninti: order, would grind about ten bushels 
per day, but poor as it was, people regarded it as a great 
accession to the settlement, and it relieved them of the 
slow process of grinding on hand mills, or pounding 
their grain on a hominy block. Settlers east of the 
river, as well as those living near the mouth of Fox 
river, patronized Leonard's mill, and it is now believed 
that it was the first water mill built north of Peoria. 

In 1831, Henry George, a single man who was killed 
at the Indian creek massacre, made a claim, and built 
a cabin, on the present site of Bureau Junction. In 
1833, John Leeper bought Perkins' claim, and a few 
years afterwards built a large flouring mill, whicli 
received much patronage from adjoining counties. 
Quite a village (called Leepertown), grew up at this 
mill ; but in 1838 the mill burned down and the village 
went to decay. 

In 1834, a number of emigrants found homes in this 
locality, among whom were Da\nd Nickerson, John 
McElwain, James Howe, Charles Leeper, and Major 
Wm. Shields. As early as 1832, a number of persons 
had settled in Hoskins neighborhood, among whom 
were Daniel Sherley and Gilbert Kellums. In 1834 



280 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY, 

the large family of Searl came here, where many of 
their descendants continue to live. 



MOSELEY SETTLEMENT. 

In August, 1831, Roland Moseley, Daniel Smith, 
and John Musgrove, with their famOies, came to 
Bureau, the two former were from Massachusetts, and 
the latter from New Jersey, having met by chance 
while on their way to the west. The emigrants 
ascended the Illinois river in a steamboat as far as 
Naples, and finding it difficult to obtain passage further 
up the river, they left their families there, and made a 
tour through the country in search of homes. Hearing 
of the Hampshire Colony on Bureau, Mr. Moseley 
directed his course thither, and being pleased with the 
country, he selected a claim. At that time Timothy 
Perkins claimed, for himself and family, all the timber 
and adjoining prairie, between Ai-thur Bryant's and 
Caleb Cook's, but he agreed to let Mr. Moseley have 
enough for two farms, on condition of selling him some 
building material. A few months previous to the time 
of which we write, Timothy Perkins and Leonard Roth 
had built a saw mill on Main Bureau, a short distance 
below the present site of McManis' mill. This was the 
first saw mill built within the limits of Bureau county, 
and with one exception, the first north of Peoria. 

Mr. Moseley marked out his claim, cutting the initials 



MOSELEY SETTLEMENT. 281 

of his name on witness trees, and contracting with Mr. 
Perkins to furnish him, on the land, some boards and 
slabs for a shanty, after M'hicli he returned to Naples to 
report his discovery. 

The three families, with their household goods, were 
put on board of a keel boat at Naples, and ascended 
the river as far as the mouth of Bureau creek. Soon 
after their arrival on Bureau, they were all taken down 
sick with the intermittent fever, one not being able to 
assist the other. Although strangers in a strange land, 
they found those who acted the part of the good 
Samaritan. James G. Forristall, although living twelve 
miles distant, was a neighbor to them, spending days 
and even weeks in administering to their wants. Daniel 
Smith, father of Daniel P. and D wight Smith, of Ohio 
town, found shelter for his family in a shanty constructed 
of split puncheons, which stood on the Doolittle farm. 
Here Mr. Smith died a few weeks after his arrival, and 
he was the tirst white man buried within the limits of 
Bureau county. The widow of Daniel Smith, being 
left with three small children, in a strange countiy, 
and with limited means, experienced many of the 
hardships common to a new settlement. She made a 
claim where Edward Bryant now lives, and with the 
assistance of friends, built a cabin and made a farm. 

Mr. Moseley and Mr. Musgrove were men of industry 

and enterprise, improving well their claims, and lived 

on them until their death. 
8 



282 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 



SETTLEMENT EAST OF THE RIVER FIRST STEAMBOAT. 

In the spring of 1827, James W. WiUis and brother 
made a claim on the Ox Bow prairie, built a cabin, 
broke ten acres of land, and planted it in corn. On 
account of the trouble with the Winnebago Indians, 
which occurred that summer, they tied from the country, 
but returned in the fall to find a good crop of corn 
which had matured, without fencing or cultivating. 
In September, 1826, Capt. Wm. Haws explored the 
country east of the river, and selected a claim near the 
present site of Magnolia. Sometime afterwards, Capt. 
Haws settled on this claim, where he continued to live, 
and he is regarded the oldest settler now living in 
Putnam county. Other pioneers came to that section 
of country a year or two later, among whom were J. 
Strawn, David Boyle, Daniel Gunii, Hilderbrans, 
Wilsons and others. 

In 1828, Thomas Hartzell an Indian trader, occupied 
a cabin on the east bank of the river, a short distance 
below the mouth of Bureau creek. Three years after- 
wards, he established himself in Hennepin, and had an 
extensive trade with the Indians as late as the spring 
of 1836, when he retired from business after accumu- 
lating a fortune. 

In the spring of 1831, Hooper Warren was appointed 
by Judge Young, clerk of the court, and he came to 
Hennepin to assist in organizing the county. For a 



FIRST STEAMBOAT. 288 

minil)er of years, Mr. Warren was clerk of the circuit 
court, county clerk, recorder, judge of probate, and 
justice of the peace, all of which lie held at one time. 
In 1819, Hooper Warren was editor of Edw^ards' 
S})ectator, one of the tw^o papers then published in 
Illinois, and through it he carried on a warfare against 
the introduction of slavery, which was at that time 
con temp hited. 

In 1829, Smiley and Nelson She})har(k James 
Dunlavey, Thomas Galleher, John E. Wornock, John 
Leeper, Samuel D. Laughlin, and others, settled at 
Union Grove, and in the vicinity of Florid. In Sep- 
tember, 1831, James and Williamson Durley opened a 
store in a log cabin opposite the mouth of Bureau creek ; 
afterwards they built the first house in Hennepin, 
and moved their store thither. In the sunnner of 
1828, Smiley Shephard, then a young man, explored 
the country along the Illinois river, and made a claim 
three miles east of the mouth of Bureau creek, where 
he now lives. His location is a romantic one, occupying 
a high knoll at the side of the grove, and overlooking 
the beautiful prairie which skirts the great bend in the 
Illinois river, and where its windings can be seen for 
fourteen miles. After making his claim, Mr. Shephard 
returned to his home in Ohio, married a wife, and the 
next summer came back to Illinois, with the intention 
of making it his future home. From St. Louis the 
emigrants ascended the Illinois river in a keel boat as 
far as Peoria, and from there to the mouth of Bureau 



284 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

creek, in a small Indian trading boat. At that time no 
steamboat had ever ascended the Illinois river above 
Beardstown, and some believed that twentv years or 
more would elapse before they would be required on the 
upper Illinois. But two years had scarcely elapsed, 
when on a bright May morning in 1831, Mr. Shephard 
and his neighbors were surprised to hear the puffing of 
a steamboat, and for many miles they could see the 
smoke from her chimneys as she followed around the 
great bend of the river. This was the steamer Caroline, 
the first boat that ever came above Peoria. The 
Caroline ascended the river as far as Crozier's trading 
house, at the mouth of Big Vermillion, and from that 
day the landing was called Shipmansport. After 
cutting and taking some wood on board, and piloted by 
Mr, Crozier, who was well acquainted with the channel, 
the boat ascended the river to Ottawa. In September 
following, the steamboat Traveler came up tlie river as 
far as Crozier's landing, and from that time steamboats 
would occasionally ascend the river. 

When John Hall, William Hoskins, and others, living 
near the Illinois river, heard the puffing of the steamer 
Caroline, it caused great rejoicing among them, regarding 
it a harbinger of commerce and civilization. 

A party of Indians were encamped on Negro creek, 
about one mile above its mouth, when the Caroline 
ascended the river, and on hearing the puffiing the 
squaws and pappooses were greatly alarmed, never 
having seen or heard a steamboat before. Some of the 




WILLIAM UO.SKIXS. 



PUTNAM COUNTY ORGANIZED. 287 

Indians mounted their ponies, and put them at tlie top 
>»f tlieir speed to learn the cause of the strange iioisL\ 
and for some distance they galloped their ponies alon-j,- 
the bank of the river, in order to get a good view of 
the monster. An Indian boy was the first to retur.i to 
camp after seeing the steamboat, when the squaws 
gathered around him for an explanation of the strange 
noise which they had heard. The boy, who was niueli 
excited, said to them that the Great Spirit had gone up 
the river in a big canoe. This big canoe, he said, was 
on tire, and the puffing which they heard was caused 
by the Great Spirit being out of breath paddling it so 
fast up stream. 

PUTNAM COUNTY ORGANIZED. 

In the spring of 1831, Putnam county was organized, 
in accordance with an act of the legislature passed in 
January previous. By this act new boundaries were 
given to Putnam, which made it include territory on 
the east side of the river, that formerly belonged to 
Tazewell county. 

At the time Putnam county was organized, all the 
country north and west of Bureau settlement, was a 
wild, unsettled country, without a permanent resident, 
except the miners about Galena. At that time Chicago 
was spoken of as a trading post, in the northeast part 
of Putnam county, and contained nothing but a garrison 
and a few Indian traders. With the exception of the 
Pecn'ia and Galena road, there was not a mail route 



288 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

tliroiiirliout the country ; all otlier roads were scarceh' 
more than Indian trails, and not passable for wagons. 
The only commerce of the country was carried on by 
Indian traders, who were located at various places along- 
the principal streams. Bureau post office, at Henry 
Thomas', was the only one in the new county, but a few 
weeks after the county was organized, David Boyle, of 
Ox Bow prairie, obtained a grant and opened a post 
office. 

In accordance with the provisions of the legislature, 
an election was held on the first Monday of March, at 
the house of William Haws, near the present site of 
Magnolia, to elect county officers, at which only twenty- 
four votes were cast. Thomas Galleher, George Ish, 
and John M. Gay, were elected county commissioners ; 
Ira Ladd, sheriff; Aaron Paine, coroner; Di-. IST. Cham- 
berlain was afterwards appointed school commissioner. 
Mr. Gay and Dr. Chamberlain were residents of Bureau 
settlement. 

The act of the legislature for laying off Putnam 
county, provided that the county seat should be located 
on the Illinois river, and called Hennepin. In May, 
the three commissioners appointed by the legislature 
met, and after examining a number of places along the 
river, located the county seat at Hennepin, where it 
still remains. It is said that the town site of Henry 
was first selected, but through the influence of settlers 
on the east side of the river, it was changed to the 
present site. 



ORGANIZATION OF PUTNAM COUNTV. 289 

The first commissioners' court M^as lield in Hartzell's 
trading house, a shoit distance above the present site of 
Ilennepin, One of the first acts of the couDiiissioners 
was to borrow two hundred dollars, on the credit of the 
county, and send a man to Springfield to enter the land 
where Hennepin is located. But the land not being in 
market, it was not entered until some years afterwards. 
At the first meeting of the commissioners tliey passed 
a license act, fixing the tariff on the different kinds of 
business, among which were the following: License 
for merchant or peddler, from six to sixteen dollars; 
for tavern keeper, from three to five dollars, and tliey 
\vere restricted to the following charges : For keeping 
a horse ovei" night, twenty-five cents; one full feed, 
twelve and one-half cents ; one meal for a man, eighteen 
and three-fourth cents; one night's lodging, six and 
one-fourth cents ; half pint of whisky, twelve and one- 
half cents; one gill, six and one-fourth cents. 

Tiie first circuit court of Putnam county was held in 
May, 1831, at the house of Thomas Hartzell. R. M. 
Young was judge, and Thomas Ford, afterwards Gov- 
ernor, state's attorney. The judicial district at that 
time, extended from the mouth of the Illinois river to 
the northern boundary of the State, including Galena 
and Chicago. The records show that most of the early 
settlers on Bureau served either as grand or petit jurors 
at this term of court. The grand jury held its session 
on a log, under the shade of a tree, and the only indict- 
ment found was against a man for bigamy. The jury 



290 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

regarded it unfair for a man to have two wives, while 
most of them were without any. There was no civil 
business before the court, and it adjourned, after being 
in session one day. 

Putnam county was divided into four precincts, two 
on the east side of tlie river, named Hennepin and 
Sandy, and two on the west side of the river, named 
Spoon River and Bureau. Bureau precinct includetl 
all that part of the county west of the Illinois river, 
and north of a direct line drawn from the head of Cro"sv 
Meadow prairie to Six Mile Grove, thence northwest 
to the county line. This territory included all of 
Bureau, and part of Putnam, Stark, and Marshall 
counties. The first general election, after the organi- 
zation of the county, was held at the house of Elijah 
Epperson, on the 18th of August, 1831, when nineteen 
votes were cast, whose names were as follows : Henry 
Thomas, Elijah Epperson, Mason Dimmick, Leonard 
Roth, John M. Gay, Samuel Glason, Curtiss Williams, 
Justus and John L. Ament, J. W. Hall, Henry Harri- 
son, Abrani Stratton, Ezekiel Thomas, Hezekiah and 
Anthony Epperson, E. H. Hall, Adam Taylor, Daniel 
Dimmick, and Thomas Washburn. 

At this election, John M. Gay and Daniel Dimmick 
were elected justices of the peace ; the latter did not 
quality, but the former, John M. Gay, was the only 
acting justice of the peace on the west side of the 
river, for a number of years aftei' the organization of 
the county. 



CHAPTER VI. 



PEORIA AND GALENA STATE ROAD. 

This great thoroughfare of early times, had its origin 

in the spring of 1827, and for some years it was known 

as Kellogg's trail. The road which formerly connected 

the lead mines with the settled part of the state, passed 

hy Kock Island until the spring of 1827, Mr. Kellogg, 

with three wagons and a drove of cattle, went direct 

through the country from Peoria to Galena, a distance 

of one hundred and sixty miles. Otlier traA'elers 

followed Kellogg's trail, and soon it became a beaten 

track. Charles S, Boyd passed over this road, on 

horseback, a few days after it was made, and he did not 

see a white man, after leaving the lead mines, until he 

came within twenty miles of Peoria. At the time of 

the Winnebago war, in the summer of 1827, Col. ISTeale, 

with six hundred volunteers from the southern part of 

the State, passed over this road, and as no springs were 

then found on the route, the troops were obliged t.» 

drink out of sloughs or ponds along the wav. 
9 



292 REMINISCENCES OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 

Soon after this road was opened, droves of cattle and 
hogs, with emigrant and mining wagons, as well as a 
daily mail coach, passed over it, which made it one of 
the great thoroughfares of the west. For a number of 
years after this road was opened, only six cabins were 
built along its entire length, and these stood fifteen oj- 
twenty miles apart, so as to entertain travelers. Besides 
these six cabins, no marks of civilization could be seen 
between Peoria and Galena, and the country through 
which it passed was still in the possession of Indians. • 

This road originally passed through the head of 
Boyd's G-rove, over the town site of Providence, a few 
rods west of Wyanet, and by Red Oak Grove. After- 
ward it was changed to pass through Dad Joe Grove, 
and in 1833 it was made to pass through Tiskihva and 
Princeton, 

In the spring of 1831, Dad Joe received a large, 
sealed package, wrapped around with red tape, and 
inscribed, "Official Documents.'' On opening it, an 
order was found from the commissioner's court of 
Jo Daviess county, notifying him that he was appointed 
overseer of highways, and fixing his district from the 
north line of Peoria county to Kock river, a distance of 
sixty-five miles. In this district Dad Joe could only 
find four men, besides himself, to work on this sixty- 
five miles of road. 

In 1833, an act passed the legislature to survey and 
permanently locate the Peoria and Galena road, and 
appointed Charles S. Boyd, J. B. Merrideth, and Dad 



PEORIA AND GALENA STATE KOAD, 293 

Joe, eonniiissioners for that purpose. Althoiigli this 
road had been traveled for six years, it liad never been 
surveyed or legally established, and with the exception 
of bridmno; one or two sloughs, no work had been 
done on it. The commissioners met at Peoria for the 
purpose of commencing their work, and at the ferry, now 
Front street, they di"ove the first stake, A large crowd 
of people had collected on that occasion, as the location 
of the road was to them a matter of some consequence. 
Dad Joe, mounted on old Pat, appeared to be the 
center of attraction, as he was well known by every 
one about Peoria, Eight years previously, he was a 
resident of Peoria, and while acting as one of the 
county commissioners, he had located the county seat 
there, and b}^ him the name of the place w^as changed 
from Fort Clark to Peoria. 

Many of the old settlers will recollect old Pat, Dad 
Joe's favorite horse, which was rode or drove by him 
for more than twenty years, and he became almost as 
well known in the settlement as his noted master. He 
was a dark sorrel horse, with foxy ears, a star in the 
forehead, a scar on the flank, and was always fat and 
sleek. It was this horse that young Joe rode when he 
carried the Governor's dispatch from Dixon's ferry to 
Fort Wilburn, as previously stated. 

Among the crowd that had collected around tlie 
commissioners, on this occasion, was John Winter, a 
mail contractor, and owner of the stage line between 
Peoria and Galena. Many stories of early times were 



294 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

told bj those present, funny jokes passed, and all were 
enjoying tlie fan, when Winter offered to stake the 
choice of his stage horses against old Pat, that he could 
throw Dad Joe down. Now Dad Joe was no gambler, 
and would not have exchanged old Pat for all of 
Winter's horses; but being fond of fun, and while 
shaking all over with laughter, he said in his loud tone 
of voice, which could have been heard for half a mile, 
'^ Winter, I'll be blessed if I don't take that bet." Dad 
Joe was a thick, heaw\''-set man, of remarkable phj'^sical 
power, and wore at the time a long hunting shirt with 
a large rope tied around liis waist. Winter was a 
spare, active man, a great champion in wrestling, and 
wore a pair of fine cloth pantaloons, made tight in 
accordance with the fashion of the day. When all the 
preliminaries were arranged, and the parties taken hold. 
Winter sang out, " Dad, are you ready?" to which Dad 
replied, " All ready. Winter, God bless you." Winter, 
as quick as thought, attempted to knock his adversary's 
feet from under him, but instead of doing so, he was 
raised off the ground, and held there b}' the strong- 
arms of Dad Joe. Winter kicked and struggled to 
regain his footing, but all to no purpose; at the same 
time his tight pantaloons burst open, exposing his 
person to the gaze of the laughing crowd. At last he 
said, "Dad, for God's sake let me down, and you shall 
have the best horse in my barn." Dad Joe released his 
hold. Winter again reached terra firma. and old Pat 
was safe. 



MARRIAGES UNDER DIFFICULTIES. 295 

The first wedding eelel)rated witliin the Ihuits of 
Bureau county, took place in the summer of 1830, and 
the parties were Leonard Roth and J^ancy Perkins, a 
daughter of Timothy Perkins, The license was obtained 
at tlie county clerk's office in Peoria, and the parties 
wei-e married by Elijah Epperson. There were some 
doubts about Mr. Epperson's authority to administer 
the marriage rite, as it was obtained through his church 
relation some years before, while living in Kentucky, 
but there was no authorized person, at that time, living 
within fifty miles of them, and the legality of the 
marriage was never questioned. 

For a few years after Putnam county was organized, 
John M. Gay, as justice of the peace, was the only 
person on the west side of the Illinois river authorized 
to administer the marriage rite. iVbram Stratton and 
Miss Sarah Baggs deferred their wedding two weeks, 
waiting for Mr. Gray to obtain his commission, so he 
could marry tliem. Squire Gay was sent for to marry 
a couple at Perkins' Grove, whose names were Peter 
Harmon and Kebecca Perkins, a daughter of Timothy 
Perkins. On the day appointed for the wedding. 
Gay's horse having strayed off on the prairie, could not 
l)e found until after noon, and the wedding party, being 
disappointed by his non-appearance, started in search of 
him. The groom, momited on a horse, with the bride 
behind him, and the groomsman, also on horseback, 
with the bridesmaid behind him, and in this way they 
started for Gay's residence, twenty miles distant. Aftei- 



296 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

going about six miles, they met Gay, accompanied by 
Hezekiah Epperson, on their way to the marriage feast, 
and it was agreed that the wedding sliould take place 
then and there. Near by stood a vacant shanty, which 
had been built in order to hold a claim. This shanty 
was without door or door, and was very filthy, having 
been a resort for deer and cattle, but it answered the 
purpose of breaking off the wind, which was blowing 
hard at the time. Into this shanty the wedding party 
went, and here the marriage service was performed. 
When the wedding was over, the happy couple, with 
their attendants, again mounted their horses, in the 
same order as they came, and started on their wedding 
tour, while Squire Gay returned home with a twt> 
dollar marriage fee in his pocket. 

DAVE JONES. 

This individual became so notorious in the early 
settlement of the county, and figures so much in its 
history, that a further account of him may interest the 
reader. Dave Jones, or Devil Jones, as he was gene- 
rally called, was a small, well-built man, with very dark 
skin, hair and eyes as black as a raven, and he had a 
wild, savage appearance. He was strong and active, a 
good wrestler and fighter, and l)ut few men could 
compete with him. For a number of years he was a 
terror to the settlement, being feared l)oth by whites 
and Indians. Jones came to the country in the spring 



DAVE JONES. 297 

of 1831, and built a cabin on the present site of Tis- 
kilwa, but getting into trouble with the Indians, he 
traded his claim to Mr. McComiis for an old mare, 
valued at ten dollars, and two gallons of whisky. He 
next built a cabin near where Lomax's mill now stands ; 
a year or t^'o later, he M^ent to Dimmick's Grove, and 
in 1835 he moved to Indiana, where he was hung by a 
mob soon after his arrival. Many remarkable feats of 
Jones are still remembered by old settlers, some of 
which are worth preserving. 

In the spring of 1832, a dead Indian was found in the 
creek, near the present site of the Bureau Yalley mills, 
with a bullet hole in his back, showing that he came to 
his death from a rifle shot. The corpse was taken out 
of the water by Indians, buried in the sand near by, 
and the affiiir was soon forgotten, Jones said while 
hunting deer in the creek bottom, he saw this Indian 
setting on a log over the water, fishing, when all of a 
sudden he jumped up as though he was about to draw 
(lut a big fish, and pitched headlong into the water, and 
M'as drowned when he came up to him. Two other 
Indians disappeared mysteriously about the same time, 
who were suj)posed to have been murdered, and on that 
account, it is said, the Indians contemplated taking 
revenge on the settlers. 

One warm afternoon, Jones, with a jug in one hand, 
(^ame cantering his old mare up to the Hennepin ferry, 
saying that his wife was very sick, and would certainly 
die if she did not get some whisky soon. In great 



298 REMINISCENCES OF BUREA.U COUNTY. 

haste Jones was taken across the river, and on landing 
on the Hennepin side, he put his old mare on a gallop 
up the bluff to Durley's store, where he filled his jug 
with whisky. Meeting with some old chums, he soon 
became intoxicated, forgot about his wife's sickness, and 
spent the afternoon and evening in wrestling, dancing 
"Jim Crow," and having a fight with some of his 
friends. 

It was long after dark when Jones started for home, 
but on arriving at the ferry he found the boat locked 
up, and the ferryman in bed, Jones wrapped at the 
door of the ferryman's house, swearing if he did not 
get up and take him across, he would pull the house 
down, and whip him besides. But all his threats were 
in vain; the ferryman could not be moved. Jones 
went down to the river, took off the bridle reins, with 
which he tied the jug of whisky on his back, then 
drove his old mare into the river, and holding on to her 
tail, was ferried across the river, as he afterwards 
expressed it, without costing him a cent. 

One afternoon, while Dave Jones was engaged in 
cutting out a road from Hennepin ferry through the 
bottom timber, his coat, which laid by the wayside, was 
stolen. Although the value of the old coat did not 
exceed two dollars, it was all the one Jones had, and he 
searched for it throughout the settlement. At last 
Jones found his coat on the back of the thief, whom he 
arrested and took to Hennepin for trial. The thief was 
at work in Mr. Hays' field, immediately west of 



DAVE JONES. 299 

Princeton, when Jones presented his rifle at his breast, 
ordering him to take up his line of march for Hennepin, 
and if he deviated from the direct course, he would 
blow his brains out. The culprit, shaking in his boots, 
started on his journey, while Jones, with his rifle on his 
shoulder, walked about three paces behind. On arriving 
at Hennepin, the thief plead guilty, being more afraid 
of Jones tlian the penalties of the law, and was there- 
fore put in jail. After Jones had delivered up his 
prisoner, he got drunk, was engaged in several fights, 
and he, too, was arrested and put in jail. At that time 
the Hennepin jail consisted of only one room, being a 
log structure, twelve feet square, and Jones being put 
in with the thief, commenced beating him. Seeing 
that they could not live together, the thief was libe- 
rated and Jones retained. At this turn of affairs, 
Jones became penitent, agreed to go home and behave 
himself, if they would let him out. Accordingly, the 
sheriff took him across the river, and set him at liberty ; 
but Jones swore he would not go home until he had 
whipped every person in Hennepin, so he returned to 
carry out his threats, but was again arrested and put in 
jail. 

A short time after the establishing of the Hennepin 
ferry, Dave Jones was on the Hennepin side of the 
river, with a wild yoke of cattle, and wished to cross 
over, but was unwilling to pay the ferriage. He swore 
before he would pay the ferryman's extravagant price, 

he would swim the river, saying that he had frequently 
10 



300 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY, 

done it, and could do it again. Jones wore a long- 
tailed Jackson overcoat, which reached to his heels, and 
a coon skin cap, with the tail hanging down over his 
shoulders, the weather at the time being quite cool. 
He drove his oxen into the river, taking the tail of one 
of them in his mouth, when they started for the oppo- 
site shore. Awav went the steers, and so went Dave 
Jones, his long hair and long-tailed overcoat floating on 
the water, his teetli tightly fastened to the steer's tail, 
while with his hands and feet he paddled with all his 
might. Everything went on swimmingly, until they 
came near the middle of the river, where the waters 
from each side of the island come together; here the 
current was too strong for the steers — they turned down 
stream, and put back lor the Hennepin side. Jones 
could not open his mouth to say gee or haw, without 
losing his hold on the steer's tail, and was therefore 
obliged to go where the steers led him, but all were 
safely landed some distance below the starting place. 
Jones was in a terrible rage at his failure to cross the 
river — beat his cattle, and cursed the bystanders for 
laughing at his misfortune. After taking a big dram 
of whisky, he tried it again, but with no better success. 
Three different times Jones tried this experiment, eacli 
time whipping his cattle and taking a fresh dram of 
whisky. At last he was obliged to give it up as a bad 
job, and submit to paying the ferryman the exorbitant 
price of twenty-five cents to be ferried over. 



CHAPTER VII. 



THIKD INDIAN WAK. 



During the latter part of the winter and spring of 
1833, the settlers on Bureau were alarmed at the hostile 
appearance of the Indians. Rumors were in circulation 
tliat the Pottawatamies and Winnebagoes were about 
to unite for the purpose of making war on the frontier 
settlements, and for that purpose held councils and war 
dances. In the latter part of February, a council was 
held between these tribes, on Green river, near the 
present site of New Bedford, and a large number of 
warriors from the Hock river country were in attendance. 
It is said that a Winnebago chief, by the name of Naw- 
wa-see, who had a village near the jDresent site of 
Rockford, was wounded, and his squaw, with an infant 
in her arms, killed the year before by the troops in 
pursuit of Black Hawk, mistaking them for Sacs and 
Foxes. This chief, in order to avenge himself on the 
whites for injuries received, visited, it is said, almost 
every village between the lake and Mississippi, to 



302 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAIT COUNTY. 

iaduce the Indians to make war on the settlers, to 
expel them from the country, and thereb}'^ retain their 
homes and hunting grounds. Indians were frequently 
seen riding at full gallop across the country, who were 
supposed to be couyeying news from place to place, and 
at different times large bodies of them were known to 
haye been collected together, as though in consultation. 
At Deyil's Grove, a large number of warriors collected, 
and here they held a feast and war dance, which lasted 
two days. 

The Indians no longer yisited the cabins of settlers, 
but appeared shy and unfriendly ; contidence between 
the white and red man no longer existed, each regarding 
the other with distrust. It was noticed that the Indians 
did not return to their village after their winter hunt, 
and were planting no corn, as formerly ; their furs and 
pelts were exchanged for munitions of war, instead of 
the necessaries of life. The settlers, at these indications 
of war, became alarmed, and were undecided what to 
do. A meeting was called at the residence of Dr. N. 
Chamberlain, for the purpose of consultation, when 
Major Chamberlain, with others, was appointed a com- 
mittee to visit Rock river, to ascertain, if possible, the 
intentions of the Winnebagoes, but they returned 
without obtaining any important facts. 

While people were in a state of feverish excitement, 
not knowing at what moment, hostilities would com- 
mence. Mrs, Dixon, of Dixon's ferry, with her 
children, fled to the south in great haste, telling people 



THIRD INDIAN WAR. 303 

(111 West Bureau, as slie passed, tliat tlie WInnebagoes, 
on Eock river, were collecting tlieir warriors together, 
and in all probability would attack the settlement 
within a few days. At this announcement, the panic 
became general, and people fled from the country — 
some going to Peoria, and others east of the river. 
Many cabins on Bureau remained vacant all summer, 
and fields uncultivated, grew up to weeds. Three years 
in succession the settlers had been driven from their 
homes, many of them were sick of the country, and 
left it forever; others would have done so if their 
means would have permitted. A number of settlers, 
on the Princeton prairie, joined together, and built a 
fort, so they could remain in the country. Joel 
Doolittle's cabin was selected as the proper place to 
build this fort, and around it they erected Ijarricades. 
composed of split puncheons, about fifteen feet in 
height, using the former for a block house. 

Although this affair passed off without bloodshed, it 
prevented the settlers from improving their claims or 
raising a full crop. Many of the settlers did not return 
until the next year, while others abandoned their 
claims, and settled elsewhere, so that the settlement on 
Bureau had materially decreased in consequence of this 
trouble. 

Almost forty years have now passed away since tliis 
affair took place; nothing is positively known with 
regard to the intentions of the Indians; and in all 
probability it will remain a secret. Some people believe 



o04 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

that the Indians intended to make war on the settlers ; 
Init others think different, as they made no hostile 
demonstrations. 

This affair is sometimes called Mrs. Dixon's war, as 
it Avas the report which she brought to Bureau, that 
scared the settlers away from their homes. 



FALSE ALARM. 

In the winter of 1832-3, Capt. Brown, with a com- 
pany of rangers, spent some time on Bureau, in order 
to protect the settlers, in case hostilities should again 
connnence. On ]!Tew Year's day, these rangers were 
encamped on the Iloskins' prairie, near the present 
residence of Mrs. Brown Searl, and as the day was 
warm and balmy, they amused themselves in fighting a 
sham battle. The sun was about one hour high when 
the firing commenced, and owing to the peculiar state 
of the atmosphere, the report of their guns were heard 
at a distance of fifteen miles, frightening both whites 
and Indians. 

Sylvester Brigham, with his two sisters, both of whon i 
were young women, were living on the Forristall farm, 
about two miles north of Dover, At that time they 
were the only persons in the neighborhood, all others 
having left through fear of the Indians. On hearing 
the firing of guns in the distance, they concluded that 
fighting between the whites and Indians had already 
conmienced, and they were greatly alarmed, knowing 




SYLVESTER BRIGHAM. 



FALSE ALARM. 307 

their nnprotected situation. Believing that their only 
means of safety was in flight, they hastily left for the 
settlement below. It was near siindoMai when Mr. 
Brigham and his two sisters left their cabin, with the 
intention of going to Eli Smith's, six miles distaiit. In 
the cabin were three rifles, and each of them carried 
one on their shoulder, and on foot they commenced 
their journey for Smith's residence. Keeping out on 
the prairie, some distance from the timber, to avoid 
falling into an ambuscade of lurking savages, whom 
they were fearful of encountering along the edge of the 
timber. After traveling about one mile, they saw an 
Indian (ju horseback, who appeared to be looking at 
some object in the distance, but on seeing Brigham and 
his sisters, he jumped from his horse, and hid himself 
in the dead grass near by. On going a short distance 
further, they saw a number of Indians come out of the 
timber, who stood for some time looking at them. It 
appears the Indians had also heard the firing, became 
frightened, and had come out on the prairie to make 
observations. 

As Brigham and his sisters came nigh Smith's cabin, 
they were afraid to enter the timber, as they had seen 
Indians going in that direction ; so they changed theii- 
course for Epperson's. It was now quite dark, and .as 
they entered the timber, near Epperson's run, two 
Indians crossed their path, a few rods in advance of 
them. Believing that the woods were full of Indians, 
and the settlers in all probability already massacred, 



s 



308 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY, 

thev turned about, and again fled for the prairie, and 
made their way southward, in the direction of the 
Moseley settlement. 

It was late at night when the fugitives arrived at 
Mr. Musgrove's cabin, and not knowing whether it 
contained friends or foes, Mr. Brigham left his sisters 
behind, while he reconnoitred the situation. On hi^ 
approach, the dog barked furiously, and Mr. Musgrove, 
thinking that some wild animal or robber was about the 
premises, urged him on, when Mr. Brigham shouted 
and let himself be known. The girls were then brought 
to the house to rest for the night, after walking twelve 
miles, and carrying guns on their shoulders. 



JERRO AND HIS FRIENDS SAVED FROM STARVATION. 

The winter of 1830-31 was very cold; snow fell 
about three feet deep, and drifted badly on the prairies. 
The weather was so excessively cold that calves, pigs, 
and chickens, in a number of instance, froze to death. 
As the settlers were unprepared for such a severe winter, 
much suffering was the consequence. Part of the 
time the snow was so deep, and the weather so cold, 
that the Indians could not hunt, causing much suft'ering 
among them on account of scarcity of food; some of 
them were obliged to kill their dogs for subsistence, and 
many of their ponies died from starvation. 

During the snow and cold weather, a party of Win- 
nebago Indians, from Kock river, were encamped in 



JERRO AND HIS FRIENDS. 309 

West Bureau timber, near the residence of Jolm M. 
Gay, Jerro, their chief, having made Gay's acquaint- 
ance the year before, while he was engaged at Ogee's 
ferry (now Dixon), Tlie Indians finding no game in 
West Bureau timber, went over to Main Bureau to 
hunt, but met with no better success. The hunters 
were absent three days, wading through the deep snow 
in search of game, while their squaws and pappooses 
were a part of the time without food, and no means of 
obtaining any until their return. Many times during 
the second and third days, the sqnaws were seen to go 
out to the edge of the prairie to look for the returning 
hunters, and then with sorrowful hearts go back to their 
little ones, who were crying for food. It was after 
dark, of the third day, when the hunters returned to 
camp, with their feet badly frozen, and nearly starved, 
as they had killed no game during their absence. Jerro, 
their chief, went to Gay's cabin, and told him of their 
suffering condition, saying that they would all perish 
unless assisted. Mr. Gay, although short of provisions 
himself, opened his potato hole and divided with them 
his scanty supply of potatoes and corn. For many 
days these Indians were kept from starvation, by con- 
tributions from Gay, Henry and Ezekiel Thomas. As 
soon as the weather moderated, Jerro and his band of 
followers left for their own country, saying to their 
benefactors that they should never again come to 

Bureau to hunt. 
11 



310 REMINISCENCES OF BDEEAU COUNTY. 

LITTLE JOHNNY, THE INDIAN CAPTIVE.* 

In the fall of 1833, the Peoria and Galena road was 
changed so as to pass through Indiantown and Princeton, 
and among the first travelers that passed over it, were 
three families, with ox teams, moving from Morgan 
county to the lead mines. The emigrants encamped 
in the timber, near the present residence of Alex. 
Holbrook, and their cattle, with bells on, were turned 
out in the timber to feed. The weather being fine, the 
emigrants remained over here one day, in order to wash 
and bake before proceeding any further on their 
journey. Next morning two Indians were seen skulk- 
ing around the camp, as though they intended to steal 
something, and when they found themselves discovered 
they lied into the woods. In the afternoon the men 
went off deer hunting — the women were engaged in 
washing and baking, while the children were playing 
along the creek, some distance below the encampment. 
Among these children, was a beautiful little boy of foui' 
summers, called Johnny, who was a pet and favorite of 
this party of emigrants. This boy was left by the 
water's edge, playing with pebbles, while the larger 



*For the following story, the writer is indebted to Eli Leonard, who 
was at the time living near where the incident occurred. Although 
Leonard's story is not confirmed by otlier early settlers on Bureau, who 
ouglit to have heard of this incident, nevertheless, it might have 
occurred without their Icnowledge. The sequel to the story, wliich 
must be familiar to many of the readers, goes far to confirm Leonard's 
statement, or at least render it quite probable. 



LITTLE JOHNNY, THE INDIAN CAPTIVE, 311 

children were off gathering hickory nuts, and when 
they returned he was missing. Search was made for 
the lost child, but without effect ; liis hat and one shoe 
were found, and near by stains of blood were discovered 
on the leaves. The night before the cries of a panther 
liad been heard in the timber, and it was believed the 
boy had been killed by it, and carried off. After 
searching two days for little Johnny, the emigrants were 
obliged to give him up as lost, and they proceeded on 
their journey. 

It was a cold, v^indy November morning, the sky 
overcast by gray clouds, the dry leaves were being- 
blown hither and thither by the chilly winds, and every 
thing appeared dreary and cheerless to the emigrants, 
as they resumed their journey towards the lead mines. 
The mother of the lost boy, almost frantic with grief, 
continued to wring her hands and cry, " Where is little 
Johny ? Oh how can I ever leave him here in these wild 
woods." 

It was afterwards ascertained that a party of Indians, 
who lived west of the Mississippi, and were visiting 
friends at Indiantown, had stolen the boy, and carried 
him off with them. These Indians were met by two 
travelers, on the Sacs and Fox trail, going westward 
with their little captive, who was tied on a pony behind 
some camp equipage. On seeing white people, little 
Johnny, with tears rolling down his cheeks, reached his 
hands out towards them, crying "I want my ma." 
The travelers suspected something was wrong, and 



312 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

inquired of the Indians how they came in possession of 
a white child, and in reply they said the boy was " half 
missionary" (that is a son of a missionary), and his 
mother was dead. 

A sequel to this story went the rounds of newspapers 
in 1848, which ran as follows : " In the fall of 1833, a 
family named Cooper, while moving from Morgan 
county, to the lead mines, had a boy of four years of 
age stolen by the Indians. The boy remained with the 
Indians in the wilds of the west, until he arrived to 
manhood, when he was informed by one of his captives 
where his people would be likely to be found. After a 
long search, the captive found his parents, who were 
living in Wisconsin, and the long lost boy was at last 
restored to his parents and friends, after being absent 
fifteen years." 



CHAPTER VIII. 



WILD ANIMALS. 



At one time buffalo roamed at large over the prairies 
of Bureau county, but at what period they left the 
country is not positively known. In the year 1778, 
Antonia Deschamps, then a lad eight years of age, came 
to Fort Clark (now Peoria), where he continued to live 
until his death, which occurred more than seventy years 
afterwards, Deschamps said for some years after he 
came to the country, buffalo were plenty along the 
Illinois river, and at different times he saw large herds 
of them, and on one occasion, a canoe which he was in 
came nigh being swamped by them swimming the 
stream. In the early settlement of the country, buffalo 
bones were plenty on the prairies, and at three different 
places in this county, acres of ground were covered 
with them, showing where large herds had pei'ished. 
Skulls of buffaloes, with the horns still on, were fre- 
quently found, and their trail leading to and from 
watering places, were still to be seen. 



.",14 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

Tliirty-six years ago, an old Indian of near four score 
years, who had spent his youthful days on Bureau, said 
to the writer, " "When a boy, buffalo were quite plenty 
throughout the country, and large herds of them were 
seen almost every day feeding on the prairies." Be 
continued, " While yet a boy (which must have been 
previous to the year 1790), there came a big snow, as 
high as a man's head, and so hard that people walked 
on the top of it, and nearly all the buffalo perished." 
Next spring a few buffalo, poor and haggard in appear- 
ance, were seen making their way westward from the east 
part of the state. As they approached the carcasses of 
the dead buffaloes, which were lying on the prairie in 
great numbers, they would stop, commence pawing and 
lowing, then start off again on a lope for the west. 
From that time bufialo no longer lived in this country, 
and they were seldom seen east of the Mississippi river. 
Mr, Hubbard, of the American Fur Company, says 
small herds of buffalo were occasionally seen roaming 
through the country as late as 1818, and in 1815 the 
Indians killed two between Bureau and Green river. 

An account of the killing of the last buffalo on 
Bureau, supposed to be the same spoken of by Mr. 
Hubbard, was communicated to Peter Demott by some 
of the Indians who participated in the sport. Early in 
the morning, a small herd of buffalo, consisting of tifty 
or sixty, were seen on the prairie near Black Walnut 
Grove, and were traveling northward, feeding as they 
went. The Indians had secreted themselves in a point 



WILD ANIMALS. 315 

of timber, supposed to be PVeiich Grove, awaiting their 
coming, and attacked them as they caine along. These 
Indians were mounted on ponies, and armed with guns, 
spears, bows and arrows, &e., attacked the herd and 
succeeded in killing two, and wounding a number of 
others, that made their escape. In the fall of 1831, a 
large buffalo bull was seen on the prairie, north of Dad 
Joe Grrove, going in a southwest direction. Two 
travelers on horseback, carrying rifles, took after this 
buffalo, and followed him a number of miles along 
Green river timber, shooting at him several times, but 
he succeeded in making his escape. 

Elk at one time were plenty on Bureau, and as late 
as 1818, their skins were sold in large numbers to the 
American Fur Company. Each year after that date, 
they became more scarce, and in the year 1826 the 
trade in them entirely ceased. A few bear and panther 
skins were sold at the trading house opposite the mouth 
of Bureau creek, but according to the statement of Mr. 
Hubbard, these animals were never plenty in this 
section of country. During the summer of 1836, a 
very large panther lived in Bureau timber, principally 
in the town of Dover, and it was frequently seen and 
heard by the settlers. The writer, one night, came 
suddenly upon its lair, when it appeared more inclined 
to fight than run. This panther came one night tu the 
barn yard of James G. Forristall, killed and carried off 
a calf. Mr. Forristall was not at home at the time, but 
his wife hearing the calf bawl, ran out, and urged on 



816 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

the dog, but the panther, regardless of their presence, 
killed the calf, and dragged it off some distance, where 
the remains were found next morning. People turned 
out en masse one day to hunt this panther, searching- 
Bureau timber for miles in extent, but without success. 

In the fall of 1836, Daniel Greeley killed a large 
bear in the town of Dover, and two bears were seen a 
few miles north of Princeton in the spring of 1837. 

The large black and gray wolf w^ere occasionally seen 
on Bureau, but the greatest pest of the early settlers 
was the prairie wolf, which lived on the pi-airie, and 
would come forth at night to kill sheep, pigs, poultry, 
tfec. The state paid a bounty on wolf scalps, which 
done much toward their extermination. Hezekiah 
Epperson, of Dover, once shot a wolf in the head, and 
to all appearance killed it instantly. He commenced 
skining the wolf, and after completing one side he 
turned it over to skin the other, when all of a sudden 
it came to life again, jumped up and ran off, with the 
skin flopping in the air. In this way the wolf ran 
about two miles, when it was overtaken by the dogs, 
and captured. 

Deer were plenty on Bureau until the year 1843, 
when a large number of them were killed during a 
deep snow, Elial Long killed, during the winter of 
1842-3, seventy-eight deer, and other hunters from 
from forty to fifty each. During the summer of 1839, 
a large white deer was frequently seen north of 
Princeton, wdiich attracted much attention among the 



WILD ANIMALS. 317 

people. Some thought this deer was of a different 
species, others a freak of nature ; the latter conclusion 
was the most probable, as it was always seen in com- 
pany with other deer. In the early settlement of the 
county, Mr. Perkins found the skulls of two bucks, with 
their horns entangled in such a way, that they coidd 
not be sepai'ated without breaking the prongs, evidently 
havins: cauy-ht while fightino;, and in this wav thev 
both perished. Jacob G. Spangler, of the town of 
Gold, while hunting deer one day, came across two 
bucks, which had their horns fastened together while 
fighting, and not being able to get out of his way, be 
shot both of them. 

Lynx, otter, catamounts, badgers, raccoon, and skunks 
were plenty in the early settlement of the country, but 
like the larger game have almost disappeared. 

In the winter of 1828, John and Jacob Funk, of 

McLean county, drove a lot of fat and stock hogs to 

the lead mines, and for ten days these hogs were on the 

road without food. "While Funks were encamped on 

Bureau, some of these hogs strayed off, became wild, 

and from them wild hogs were found on Bureau and 

Green river many years afterwards. These wild hogs 

were hunted in the groves the same as deer, and from 

them some of the early settlers obtained their supply 

of pork. Late in the tall of 1836, Franklin Marple, 

who lived five miles north of Princeton, killed two of 

these hogs, and taking out the entrails, he laid them in 

one corner of his stable, where they lav in a frozen 
12 



318 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

condition until spring, when they were skinned, and 
salted down for family use. 

Two large wild boars, one black and the other blue, 
with enormous tusks, which showed them to be very 
old, were frequently seen on Green river, and for some 
time were a terror to hunters in that locality. One 
night these hogs followed a dog into the camp of two 
Imnters, and they escaped with their lives by climbing 
a tree, while their supply of provision was devoured, 
and their camp kit damaged by these brutes. During 
a deep snow, these two boars came into West Bureau 
timber, and with their large tusks they crippled many 
of the tame hogs, causing the settlers to believe that 
their hogs had been attacked by a panther. These wild 
hogs were afterwards hunted down and killed by 
l^icholas Smith; thus the country was rid of these 
brutes, which had been feared by the settlers as though 
they were tigers. 

MIRAGE AND SOUNDS. 

In the early settlement of the country, mirage or 
optical illusions, some of which were so remarkable as 
to astonish the beholder, were of frequent occurrence. 
At sunrise, in a certain state of the atmosphere, objects 
at a distance would appear many times their actual size. 
A house would look to be two hundred feet or more 
high, and a grove of timber as though it was suspended 
in the air. People were frequently surprised on getting 



MURDER OF REV. JOHN WILLIAMS. 319 

up in the morning to see a grove of timber, or houses, 
oflf on the prairie, where none were ever seen before. 
This phenomenon is said to be caused by refraction, 
and is seldom seen since the settlement of the country. 

Before the country was settled, sounds could be heard 
at a great distance. The report of a gun or cow-bell 
was frequently heard ten or twelve miles. Mr. Epper- 
son's cow-bell could be plainly heard at Henry Thomas', 
a distance of seven miles. On the first of January, 
1838, the firing of the rangers guns in the Hall 
settlement, were heard along Main Bureau timber, a 
distance of twelve or fifteen miles. In the summer of 
1831, when Gen. Gains removed the Indians from Rock 
Island, the report of his cannon were heard on Bureau, 
at Dad Joe and Boyd's Grove. 

"Was it owing to the stillness of the surroundings 
which caused these sounds to be heard at a remarkable 
distance, or has the settlement of the country produced 
a change in the atmosphere, impeding the transmission 
of sounds. This is a subject worthy of reflection. 

MURDER OF REV. JOHN WILLIAMS. 

One of the many conspicuous land marks in the early 
settlement of the county, was Black Walnut Grove, 
which is situated in the town of Macon, near the southern 
limits of the county. This grove originally contained 
several hundred acres of good timber, and as it occupied 
high land, could be seen for miles away. Most all of 



320 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

this grove was military land, and for many years it 
belonged to a non-resident by the name of Hall. Asa 
Barney had the supervision of this grove, and sold it 
out to people who settled around it. The settlement 
commenced at Black Walnut Grove in the year 1837, 
and among the early settlers were Thomas Motheral, 
"William Bates, James B. Akin, Lewis Holmes, Charles 
Lee, T. J. Horton, John and Charles Wood. 

More than half a century ago, Black Walnut Grove 
was the scene of a fearful tragedy, probably the most 
brutal, with one exception, that ever occurred within 
the limits of Bureau county. This was the murder of 
the Rev. John Williams, by the Indians, in the fall of 
1812. An account of this bloody affair was communi- 
cated to Peter Demott by an Indian who participated 
in the murder. The spot where the murder occurred 
was pointed out to Demott, and the manner in which 
it was accomplished explained. Mr, Williams was a 
Baptist minister, and was sent out by the Home Mis- 
sionary Society, to preach to the Indians in the wilds of 
the west. He had spent three years preaching at the 
different Indian villages along the Mississippi river, 
making his home most of the time with a French 
trader, at Rock Island, named LeOlere. He was now 
returning to his home at Marietta, Ohio, where kind 
friends awaited his arrival. Traveling on horseback 
and alone, unconscious of danger, he met his death at 
the hands of those savages whom he had been trying to 
convert. 



MURDER OF REV. JOHN WILLIAMS. 321 

A short time before this occurrence — in September, 
1812 — vohmteers under Gov. Edwards, had destroyed 
the village of Black Partridge, on the Illinois river, and 
some of his band being driven from their homes, found 
refuge on Bureau ; about twenty of these Indians, some 
of whom had lost friends by the destruction of their 
village, and were thirsting for revenge, met Williams 
as he was pursuing his way eastward. Instead of a 
friendly greeting, as Williams might have expected, the 
savages leveled their guns and fired at him, one of the 
shots taking effect in his side. Williams being mounted 
on a fleet horse, immediately put him at the top of his 
speed, throwing away his saddle bags and heavj* 
baggage, so as to facilitate his speed, and for a time he 
left the Indian ponies far behind. The race was con- 
titiued for several miles, the Indians whipping their 
ponies, and yelling at the top of their voice. Near 
Black Walnut Grove, Williams' horse mired In a slough, 
threw the rider over his head, and before he could 
mount again, the Indians came up and took him 
prisoner. 

Some of the early settlers at Black Walnut Grove 
will probably recollect a big walnut tree, that stood 
near the east end of the grove. To this tree the 
prisoner was taken, and around it the Indians formed 
themselves into a circle. Into this circle Williams was 
brought, with his hands tied behind him, divested of 
all his clothing, his scalp taken off, with the blood 
running down to his heels, and covering his naked 



322 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

body with gore. In this way Williams was coinpellcd 
to run around in the circle, and as he ran the Indians 
would stick their muskrat spears into his flesh. For 
some time the Indians continued to torture their victim, 
until overcome by loss of blood, Williams fell to the 
ground, when one of the Indians, more human than the 
others, struck him on the head with his tomahawk, and 
thus ended his sufferings. 



CHAPTER IX. 



SETTLEMENT AT BOYD S GKOVE. 

It has already been stated that John Dixon located 
at Boyd's Grove, in the summer of 1828, and sold his 
claim, two years afterwards, to Charles S. Boyd, who 
lived on it for fourteen years. Many incidents, worthy 
of note, have occurred at or near this grove, the most 
thrilling of which was the freezing to death of two men 
in December, 1830. Three persons, named Cooper, 
McMillan, and a Dr. Jones, were hauling goods from 
Peoria to Galena, on sleds, drawn by oxen, when they 
were caught in a snow storm while on the prairie south 
of the grove. It had been snowing all day until it 
became about three feet deep, and toward night it 
drifted so that their teams could not get through. 
About eight miles south of the grove, they left their 
teams, and started on foot for Boyd's residence. I^Tight 
came on, and in the darkness and drifting snow, they 
lost their way. Dr. Jones, overcome with cold and 
fatigue, gave out, and he was left by his comrades to 



324: KEMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

perish on the prairie. Cooper and McMillan, despairing 
of finding the grove in the darkness, bnried themselves 
up in a snow drift, M^here they remained until morning. 
At daylight, the storm having abated, they could see 
the grove about three miles distant, and started for it. 
Cooper's feet being badly frozen, he could not travel, 
and McMillan wrapped him up in his blanket and 
covered him over with snow, and then started on his 
way. After proceeding a short distance, he looked 
back and saw Cooper trying to follow him, but he only 
went a few rods before he fell down and perished in 
the snow. Mr. McMillan, badly frost bitten and almost 
exhausted, reached Boyd's house to tell the sad story 
about the fate of his comrades. Mr. Boyd immediately 
started in search of Cooper, but his horse could not get 
through the snow drifts, so he was obliged to turn back, 
and the remains of Cooper were not found for some 
days afterwards. The remains of Dr. Jones were not 
found until the snow went off in the spring, having 
laid on the prairie about three months. Some of the 
cattle which belonged to the teams, wandered off 
toward Spoon river timber, and perished by cold and 
starvation. 

On the night of January 18th. 1832, Mr. Boyd's 
house took fire and burned down, with all its contents, 
leaving the family almost destitute. The snow at the 
time was almost three feet deep, the thermometer below 
zero, and not a dwelling within ten miles. The family, 
in their night clothes, were compelled to take shelter in 



SETTLEMENT AT BOYd's GROVE, 325 

the smoke house, where they remained for several days. 
Mr. Boyd was left without pantaloons, but was relieved 
from his embarrassing situation next day by a traveler, 
M'ho had an old pair in his saddle-bags. Neighbors 
living twenty miles south, were notified by a traveler 
of the helpless condition of Boyd's family, and they 
came to their relief, supplying them with clothing, 
provisions, &c. Mr. Boyd constructed a tent in the 
thick timber of the grove, where himself and family 
remained during the winter. When spring opened, 
his friends came from Peoria county, and assisted in 
building a house. 

Shaubena, with his band of followers, was encamped 
in the grove at the time Boyd's house was burned, and 
he made with his own hands, and presented to Mr. 
Boyd, two wooden trays, which he still keeps as a 
memento of the past, as well as in memory of the 
donor. 

For ten years Mr. Boyd lived without neighbors — 
not a settler within ten miles of him — his dwelling 
being used, during the time, both for a hotel and post 
office. 

Mr. Boyd is now living in Princeton, which has been 
his home for more than twenty-five years ; although far 
advanced in life, he still retains much of the vigor of 
manhood. 

In the spring of 1840, David Bryant and Mr. Clark 

settled south of Boyd's Grove, and Barney Hagan north 

of it. In 1841, John A. Griswold located on the farm 
13 



326 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

which is now occupied by him, and consequently he is the 
oldest settler now living in the southern part of this 
county. Some time afterwards, Isaac Sutherland, R. 
Hayes, G. W. Griswold and J. W. Harris, became 
residents of this locality. Some years later, a settle- 
ment was made at a point of timber north of the grove, 
and amono; the earlv settlers were Edwin Merrick, Col. 
A. E. May, and J. Y. Thompson. 



EARLY SETTLEMENT OF LA MOILLE AND PERKINS GROVE. 

On the 19th of May, 1830, Daniel Dimmick made a 
claim a short distance south of La Moille, on what is 
now known as tlie Collins' farm, and from that time the 
head of Main Bureau timber took the name of Dim- 
mick's Grove. In the tall of 1830, William Hall made 
a claim and built a cabin on the present site of La 
Moille, and occupied it about eighteen months. In 
April, 1832, Mr. Hall having sold his claim to Aaron 
Gunn, moved to Indian creek, twelve miles north ot 
Ottawa, Mdiere himself and part of his family were 
killed by the Indians a few weeks afterwards. At the 
commencement of the Black Hawk war, Dimmick left 
his claim, and never returned to it again, and for two 
years Dimmick's Grove was without inhabitants; the 
cabins and fences went to decay, and the unfilled land 
grew up in weeds. When Dimmick fled from the 
grove, he left two sows and pigs, which increased in a 
few years to quite a drove of wild hogs, that were 



LA MOILLE AND PERKINs' GROVE, 327 

hunted in the grove years afterwards, and from them 
some of the early settlers obtained their supply of pork. 

In the spring of 1834, Leonard Roth, Greenberry 
Hall, and Dave Jones, made claims in the grove, and 
for a short time Timothy Perkins occupied the Dim- 
mick cabin. In July of the same year, Jonathan T, 
Holbrook, Moses and Horace Bowen, settled in the 
grove. Mr. Holbrook and Moses Bowen bought Gunn's 
claim, and made farms. In the fall of 1834, Enos Hol- 
brook, Joseph Knox, and Heman Downing settled in the 
grove. In the spring of 1836, Tracy Keeve and Dr. 
John Kendall bought Moses Bowen's farm, and laid off 
La Moille. Mr. Bowen had previously made a survey 
of the town, but made no record of it when he sold to 
the above named parties. The town was originally 
called Greenfield, but was afterwards changed to its 
present name, on account of obtaining a post oifice. 

Joseph Knox, on leaving Dimmick's Grove, located 
at a point of timber which was afterwards known as 
Knox's Grove. One night, while Mr. Knox and his 
sons were absent, two young Indians came to his house, 
probably without any evil intentions, but it frightened 
the women so the}^ fled on foot for Dimmick's Grove, 
eight miles distant. Next morning these two young 
Indians, accompanied by their father, came to Dimmick's 
Grove to give an explanation of their visit to the house 
the night before. There were present, Leonard Roth, 
J. T. Holbrook, and Dave Jones. With the two former 
the explanation of the Indians was satisfactory, but 



328 REMINISCENCES OF BTJKEATJ COUNTY. 

with the latter it was different. Jones ordered one of 
the Indians to lay down his gun, and with a long stick 
he whipped him severely. 

In 1834, Timothy Perkins and sons claimed all of 
Perkins' Grove, and sold out claims to those who came 
in afterwards. The first house that was built in the 
grove, was on a farm now owaied by John Hetzler, 
and it w^as occupied by Solomon Perkins and Elijah 
Bevens. The second house was built near the present 
residence of A. G. Porter, and occupied by Timothy 
Perkins. Part of the roof of this house was composed 
of deer skins, and the door and windows were filed with 
the same material. 

Joseph Screach, Stephen Perkins, and Mr. Hart, 
settled on the west side of the grove in the spring of 
1835. J. and A. R. Kendall, and J. and E. Fassett, 
were among the early settlers of Perkins' Grove. In 
1842, a post ofiice named Perkins' Grove was established 
here, but was discontinued some years afterwards. 

SETTLEMENT IN THE EAST PART OF THE COUNTY. 

In the summer of 1828, Reason B. Hall built a cabin 
in the bend of the prairie, near the present residence of 
J. Wassom. This cabin was the second or perhaps the 
third one, built in this county, and for many years it 
was occupied in turns by different new comers. Mr. 
Hall being alone in a wild country, without neighbors, 
became dissatisfied with his location, and aban- 
doned his cabin for a residence south of the river. 
He afterwards returned to his claim, and lived on it a 



WEST BUKEAU AND CENTER GROVE. 329 

short time, tlien moved to the lead mines. Edward 
Hall, a brother of Reason's, made a claim in tin's 
vicinity, built a cabin and occupied it a short time, 
when he, too, left the country. 

In the fall of 1829, a black man, named Adams, built 
a cabin at the mouth of Negro creek, and from him the 
stream took its name. Adams was scared away by the 
Indians, abandoned his claim, and settled on the east 
side of the river. 

In the summer of 1831, William Tompkins, Sampson 
and John Cole, made claims on the east side of Spring 
creek, and for some time they were the only permanent 
settlers in the east part of the county. In August, 
1832, Henry Miller, with his family, settled on the 
farm now occupied by his son, Henry J. Miller, About 
the same time William Swan made a claim in this 
vicinity, and the next year James G. Swan made a 
claim where he now lives. In 1833, Robert Scott 
became a resident of the settlement, and about the same 
time Martin Tompkins and Alexander Hoi brook made 
claims near the east line of the county, where H. W. 
Terry now lives. Other settlers came in soon after, 
among whom were Reason and E. C. Hall, Mr. Wixom, 
Mr, Wilhite, Nathaniel Applegate, Dr. Whithead, and 
C. W. Combs. 

WEST BUREAU AND CENTER GROVE SETTLEMENT. 

It has already been stated that Henry Thomas settled 
on the west side of West Bureau timber, in the spring 



830 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

of 1828, and was therefore the first settler of Bureau 
county. In the spring of 1829, Ezekiel Thomas made 
;i claim, built a cabin, and occupied it with his family, 
where he now lives, which makes him the oldest settler 
now living in this county. During the summer of 
1829, Abram Stratton made a claim where he continues 
to live, but did not occupy it with his family until a 
year or two later. In 1830, John M. Gay built a cabin 
on the east side of the timber, on a farm now occupied 
by James Crownover, but sold it soon after to Abram 
Oblist, who lived here a short time, then sold it to J. 
Allen. John M. Gay had lived for two years previous 
to coming to Bureau, on Rock river (now Dixon), 
having charge of Ogee's ferry. Ogee, the proprietor 
of the ferry, having no education, and being drunk 
most of the time, the business was conducted by Mr. 
Gay. Soon after Mr. Gay went to Rock river, he was 
appointed post master, and opened an office ; but there 
was no one living within twenty miles of him who 
could read or write, and when he left the place, the 
office was discontinued, as there was no one capable of 
taking charge of it. 

In 1831, Thomas "Washburn made a claim immedi- 
ately west of the county farm, built a cabin and broke 
a few acres of prairie, but abandoned it the next year. 
Sometime afterward Benj. Lamb took possession of 
Washburn's claim, and in 1834 he sold it to James 
Triplett. In 1833, John Phillips, E. Chilson, and 
Thomas Finley, came to this neighborhood, and became 



PKOVIDENCE COLONY. 331 

permanent settlers. Mr. P'inlcy built his first cabin on 
the creek bottom, wlierc J. Dy singer now lives; but 
afterwards located further up the creek. Thomas 
Finley was a school teacher by profession, and with 
one exception, taught the first school in this countv. 
For many years Mr. Finley was a justice of the peace, 
and died three years ago in the poor house. 

In the spring of 1834, Isaac Spangler, George Cole- 
man, Edward and Acquilla Triplett, made claims on 
the east side of Center Grove. William Allen and C. 
C. Corss, north of it. In 1835, Lemuel and Rufiis 
Carey, Solomon Sapp, Jacob and Adam Galer, became 
I'esidents of Center Grove settlement. The same year 
George Bennett settled at the head of West Bureau 
timber, and the next year Rees Heaton settled in that 
locality. 

In the summer of 1836, Milton Cain built a house 
near the present site of Pond Creek station, which was 
the first house built west of the timber, with the excep- 
tion of that of He my Thomas. A few years later, William 
Frankerbeger, Simon Lemon, Mr. Stubbs, ]Jf . Monrose, 
Moses and A. T. Thompson, T. Tilson, Ephraim Sapp, 
and J. M. Yearnshaw, made farms on the w^est side of 
vWest Bureau timber. 



PKOVIDENCE COLONY. 

In the spring of 1836, a colony was organized at 
Providence, Rhode Island, for the purpose of making a 



832 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

settlement in the west. This colony consisted of 
seventy-two stock holders, who owned fi'om one to 
sixteen shares each, and each share was to draw eighty 
acres of land, which amounted in all to seventeen 
thousand acres. Com. Morris, Col. C. Oakley, Asa 
Barney, L. Scott, S. G. Wilson, Edward Bailey and 
Caleb Cushing, was appointed a committee to select 
and enter the lands for the colony. This committee, 
after exploring the country in different parts of the 
state, selected township 15, range 8, (now Indian- 
town), for their future home. The land in this town- 
ship was then vacant, except a few tracts in the south 
east corner, and it was without inhabitants, with the 
exception of Martin Tompkins, and Mr. Burt, AD 
the vacant land in this township, and some in the 
adjoining one, was entered by the colony, and a 
portion of which was soon after made into farms. The 
colony committee, after entering the land, laid off a 
town, and in honor of Roger Williams, named it 
Providence. Two of the committee, Asa Barney, and 
Caleb Cushing, remained until fall for the purpose of 
erecting a building on their new town site ; this build- 
ing was a large frame structure, built out of the funds 
of the colony, and intended to be used for a hotel. 

In the spring of 1887, about forty persons belonging 
to the colony, arrived at their future home, all of whom 
found quarters in the house built by the colony, until 
other dwellings could be erected. With this colony, 
came many of the enterprising citizens of this county, 



PROVIDENCE COLONY. 333 

and they received a hearty welcome from the early 

settlers. 

This colony, like all others, did not meet the 

expectations of its projectors, nevertheless, it added 

mnch to the wealth and population of the county. 

Among the members of this colony who settled here 

were Alfi-ed Anthony, Hosea Barney, J. Shaw, James 

Harrington, James Pilkington, John Lannon, Thomas 

Doe, Mathew Dorr, James Dexter, Elias Nickerson, 

and Thomas Taylor. 
14 



CHAPTER X. 



BUREAU COUNTY ORGANIZED. 

During the fall and winter of 1836, the settlers on 
Bureau began to agitate the subject of dividing Putnam 
county, and forming a new one on the west side of the 
Illinois river. The great distance of part of the settle- 
ment from the county seat, and the river at some 
seasons of the year overflowing its banks, made it 
almost impossible to get to Hennepin to attend court 
or transact business, and rendered the division a matter 
of absolute necessity. A petition, signed by many 
citizens of Bureau, was forwarded to the legislature, and 
on the 28th of February, 1837, an act passed setting off 
the county of Bureau, and fixing its boundaries as it 
now stands, except the towns of Milo and Wheatland, 
which were afterwards added on the formation of Stark 
and Marshall counties. The act of the legislature was 
not to take effect however, unless a majority of the 
voters in the whole county favored it. In accordance 
with the act, an election was held on the first Monday of 



BUREAU COUNTY ORGANIZED. 335 

March, and it was the most exciting one ever held in 
the county. Previous to the day of election, a meeting 
was held in Princeton, and delegates appointed to visit 
each precinct in the county, to persuade people to vote 
for the division. Amariah Sherwiii was appointed a 
delegate to Spoon river, (now Stark comity), and after 
performing his duty, he left for parts unknoMni, to the 
disadvantage of his numerous creditors, and he has not 
yet returned to make his repoi"t. People on the east 
side of the riAer were equally active, and sent men to 
different localities, to electioneer against the division. 
Hennepin, at that time commanded nearly all the trade 
of the county, and it was well known that if a division 
took place, a town would spring up on the west side of 
the river, and much of the trade would be lost to 
Hennepin. 

The election for or against division, was a very 
important one, and called forth a larger vote than the 
county was able to poll for some years afterwards. 
On the west side of the river, people voted almost en 
masse for the division, while on the east side, they 
voted against it. A few votes were cast in Indiantown 
precinct, against the division ; and a few in the south 
part of the county, in Sandy precinct, for it. On the 
day of the election, great excitement prevailed, and 
every voter, and some that were not voters came 
forward to the polls. Many illegal votes were cast, 
but it was contended, that the end justified the means. 
The writer, although a minor, was brought forward. 



336 EEMINISCENCE8 OF BDREAU COUNTY. 

and almost compelled to vote, with many others who 
were yet in their teens. Hennepin had sent delegates 
to Princeton, to guard the polls by challenging voters, 
but all to no purpose ; loud talk and much quarreling 
was the result, and they left in disgust. On their 
return to Hennepin, they reported that a number of 
travelers were stopped on the highway, and hired to 
vote; that every boy of sixteen, as well as many 
women dressed in men's clothes, had voted. There 
was about thirty majority for the division, and when 
the result was known, there was great rejoicing on the 
west side of the river ; in Princeton by firing of guns, 
bonfires, and a torchlight procession with other 
tokens of joy. Although Bureau had won the victory 
fairly, (some however, contending unfairly), the matter 
was not yet decided, as the people on the east side of 
the river were determined to contest the election, on 
the grounds of illegality. 

On the day appointed for the examination of the 
poll books at the clerk's office in Hennepin, many 
people from various parts of the county were in 
attendance. Thomas S. Elston, John H. Bryant and 
Cyrus Langworthy, were delegates from Princeton, 
and carried with them the poll book of the precinct. 
On their way to Hennepin, they went by Searl's settle- 
ment, and took with them as protectors, William, 
Brown, Job and Timothy Searl, who were all large, 
athletic men, and their appearance alone was almost 
sufficient to intimidate all opposition. Oaks Turner, 




CYRUS LANG WORTHY, 



BUREAU COUNTY ORGANIZED. 339 

was at that time county clerk, and his office was 
crowded with excited people anxious to see the poll 
books opened. The returns of one precinct, which 
voted for division, could not be found, although it was 
proven to have been placed on the clerk's desk, and 
the returns of two otlier precincts, favoring division, 
was rejected on account of informality, which made a 
majority against division. Cyrus Langworthy, acting 
as spokesman for the Princeton delegation, was not 
backward in telling them of their rascality ; a regular 
(piarrel was the result, and in all probability, he was 
only saved from violence by being a cripple, and backed 
by the foiir Searls, who appeared like giants among 
the crowd. That night there was great rejoicing at 
Hennepin, bonfires were lighted, powder put into 
the stumps, which made a loud report, and people 
shouted, "1^0 Division, Putman county is still whole." 
A figure of a man with a broad rimmed hat, and a 
cane in its hand, representing Langworthy, was about 
to be burned in effigy, but through the interference of 
Mr. Durley and others, the burning was abandoned, 
and the old clothes saved for other purposes. 

ISTotwithstanding the county authorities at Hennepin 
had decided no division, Bureau claimed to be a county 
nevertheless, and went on to comply with the provis- 
ions of the act of the legislature. William Stadden, 
Peter Butler and Benjamin Mitchell, three commis- 
sioners who were appointed by the legislature to locate 
the county seat, met in May, and selected Princeton as 



840 EEMINISOENCES OF BUBEATJ COUNTY. 

the seat of justice.* On the first Monday in June 
following, an election was held to elect county officers, 
when Robert Masters, William Hoskins, and Arthur 
Bryant, were elected county commissioners, Cyrus 
Langworthy, sheriff, Thomas Mercer, clerk, John H. 
Bryant, recorder, Jacob Galer, coroner, and Robert 
Stewart, surveyor. 

Robert Masters and John H. Bryant, obtained a copy 
of the poll book of each precinct, showing the vote 
on division, and laid them before the governor, who 
decided that Bm-eau was a county, and ordered com- 
missions issued for the officers elected. Judge Stone, 
of the fifth judicial district, ordered court to be held 
the following August, and he appointed Cyrus Bryant, 
clerk. Courts were held in the Hampshire Colony 
church, until 1845, when a court house was built. A 
log jail twelve feet square, lined with heavy sheet iron, 
and a building intended for a jailor, but used for com- 
missoners' court, was built on a lot now occupied by 
the residence of Benj. Newell, northwest of the court 
house. The whole revenue of the county, for the first 
year, being 1838, including school, county, and state 
tax, only amounted to three hundred and thirty-two 

* There was but little controversy about the location of the county 
seat. Windsor and Providence were spoken of by a few persons inte- 
rested In those paper towns, but they were not in fact competitors for 
it. Amariali Watson at tliat tinae owned a tract of land on Center 
prairie, immediately west of Dr. Woodrutt's, which land was said to 
be in the geographical center of the county, and he proposed to give 
part of it, with other contributions, if the commissioners would locate 
the county seat there. But Princeton being then a place of about 
twenty houses, as well as a natural center of the county, the commis- 
sioners looked at no other place. 



BANDITTI. 341 

dollars, and this amount, small as it was, proved sufficient 
to meet all demands for the fiscal year. 



BANDITTI. 

From 1837 to 1852, Northern Illinois was infested 
with thieves, counterfeiters, and cut throats, wlio were 
organized into a hand, and became a terror of the set- 
tlement. The country at that time being thinly settled, 
gave these desperadoes a good opportimity of prosecu- 
ting the business of stealing horses, waylaying, rob- 
bing, and murdering travelers as they passed through 
unsettled groves. It was very common in those days 
to hear of people being missed, who were thought to 
have been murdered by these bandit. A man was 
murdered, and his body thrown into a bayou, near the 
Bureau valley mills, where it was afterwards found, and 
it was never known who he was, or by whom he was 
murdered. Lee county was the head quarters for these 
outlaws; but they committed many depredations in 
Bureau, and here some of them made their temporary 
residences. Two of Col. Davenport's muderers. Fox 
and Birch, frequently visited Bureau ; the former was 
tried in Princeton, under the name of William Sutton. 
This band of robbers became so numerous, some of 
whom occupied offices of trust, and by swearing each 
other clear, it was difficult to convict them, and this 
band of thieves and counterfeiters was not broken up 
until DriscoUs were killed on Hock river. 



842 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

Among tliese outlaws was a large, athletic man, in 
the prime of life, by the name of McBroom, who 
at one time was a constable at Hennepin. This 
McBroom passed some counterfeit money at a store 
in Princeton, and a warrant was put into the hands of 
Sheriff Langworthy for his arrest, McBroom, suspect- 
ing trouble, in great haste ordered his horse at the 
hotel, and was in the act of mounting, when the sheriff 
arrested him. McBroom presented a pistol already 
cocked at the sheriff's head, swearing at the same time 
that he would blow his brains out if he laid hands on 
him. Sheriff" Langworthy in an authoritative tone of 
voice, ordered Mr. Yaughan, the hotel keeper, to take 
the horse by the bits, and as McBroom turned his eyes 
in that direction, the sheriff caught hold of the pistol, 
McBroom, as quick as thought, pulled the trigger ; but 
the hammer striking the sheriff's thumb, prevented it 
from exploding. Then followed a desperate struggle ; 
McBroom was dragged from his horse; both officer 
and prisoner was brought to the ground, when assist- 
ance came in time to secure the culprit. Irons were 
put on him, and he was taken to the Peoria jail, as 
there was none in Princeton at that time. 



MURDER AT LOST GROVE. 

About the first of August, 1837, a murder of a most 
revolting character, was committed at Lost Grove, and 
for many years this affair remained a myBtery. 



MUKDER AT LOST GKOVE. 343 

As the Rev. Rntvis Luniry was traveling on the 
Indian trail, and when about one mile west of Lost 
Grove, he discovered a large number of buzzards eating 
a carcass. Curiosity caused him to ride out to see what 
they were eating, when he was horrified to find it was 
the remains of a man. The body was divested of 
clothing, the eyes picked out by the buzzards, and from 
appearances it had laid there about three days. There 
was no one living at that time near the grove, and the 
people on Bureau were notified of the murder, an in- 
quest was held, and the remains buried on the prairie, 
near where they were found. From appearance, the 
murdered man had been attacked in the grove, shot 
from his horse, the ball breaking his left arm, and 
entering his side. From the grove he ran about one 
mile, in the direction of Bureau settlement, but vras 
overtaken by the assassin, and his brains beat out with 
a club. The club, with hair and blood on it, was found 
close by ; also a suit of much worn clothes, and a pocket 
bible, but these afforded no clue to this mysterious 
affair. 

The bible, which was found by the side of the 
murdered man, is now in the possession of Andrew 
Sw^anzy, a resident of Princeton. Its title page shows 
that it was printed in London, in the year 1824. On 
the fly leaf is written the name of Frederick Bunn 
Ringstead, 1831. " The gift of his friend Mrs. Gard- 
ner." On the other page of the fly leaf is written a 

poem, on the presentation of the bible, which consisted 
15 



344 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

of fourteen lines, and signed bj Frederick Biinn. A 
page in Chronicles, and one in Isaiali are stained with 
blood, which is still plain to be seen, although thirty- 
five years have passed away since the murder M'as com- 
mitted. It has never been ascertained who Frederick 
Buun, the owner of the bible was, or how his bible 
became connected with this affair. 

For many years this murder remained a mystery ; no 
clue could be obtained to the murderer, or his victim, 
until a man named Green was convicted of murder in 
Iowa, and made a confession. The name of the mur- 
dered man was Dunlap, a resident of Knox county, 
Ohio, and he came to this country for the purpose of 
entering land. He had employed Green to conduct 
him through from Fox river to Princeton, as there was 
no direct road through the country at that time. When 
the travelers arrived at Lost Grove, traveling on the 
Sac and -Fox trail, riding side by side, they discovered 
on the prairie two large black wolves, and w^hile 
Dunlap was looking at them, Green drew his pistol 
and shot him. At the report of the pistol Dunlap's 
horse jumped and threw him. Although badly 
wounded, he ran near one mile, when he was overtaken 
by Green, and his brains beat out with a club, as pre- 
viously stated. After committing the murder, Green 
took his victim's clothes, leaving his own in the grass 
near by ; also his money, which amounted to about five 
thousand dollars. Green dressed himself in Dunlap's 
clothes, mounted Dunlap's horse, and leading his own, 



KOADS AT EARLY SETTLEMENT. 846 

continued liis journey westward, stopping the first 
night in Princeton. 

A sequel to this afiair went the rounds of the news- 
papers, in the summer of 1851, which ran as follows: 
" On the night before Green was to have been executed, 
through the assistance of confederates, he escaped from 
jail, and the ends ot justice were thwarted. Tears 
afterward Green joined some California emigrants, and 
while on the plains he murdered an Indian. The 
Indians, in retaliation, were about to take revenge on 
the whole party, but the matter was compromised by 
giving up the murderer, when the Indians took Green 
and flayed him alive. Before his death. Green confessed 
that he was the man convicted of murder in Iowa, and 
the one who had committed the murder at Lost Grove, 
in Bureau county. In the presence of the emigrants, 
the Indians took Green, stripped off his clothing, tied 
him to a small willow tree, and commenced skinning 
him, which operation was completed before death came 
to his relief." 



KOADS AT THE TIME OF EARLY SETTLEMENT. 

For a number of years after the settlement had been 
conjmenced, the roads through the county were scarcely 
anything else than Indian trails, never having been 
legally laid or worked. "With the exception of the 
Peoria and Galena road, there was not a post route 
through the county, and but few of the roads across 



346 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

the couutry were accessible for wagons. In the fall of 
1833, the Peoria and Galena state road, which ran west 
of Burean, was changed so as to pass through Princeton 
and Tiskilwa. Mr. Argrove, who occupied the farm 
now belonging to Alexander Holbrook, was at that time 
overseer of highways, and he called out the people to 
work on this road. Settlers on the Princeton prairie, 
among whom were Maj. Chamberlain, Cyrus and John 
H. Bryant, with their hoes and spades, were engaged 
in digging on the bluff south of Tiskilwa, and a few 
days afterwards the stage horn for the first time was 
heard in Princeton, when it was supplied with a tri- 
weekly mail. 

In the spring of 1837, a state road was located from 
Princeton to Prophetstown, on Eock river, crossing 
Green river at jSTew Bedford, and passing near the 
northwest corner of the county, (now Yorktown). 

During the summer of 1837, a .road was laid direct 
from Princeton to La Moille, passing the whole w^ay 
through unimproved land. This road ran diagonally 
across tracts of laud, and as these lands were improved 
the road was fenced out. As this road ran in the 
direction of Chicago, where people had commenced to 
haul their produce, a straight road was considered of 
great importance, and in order to accomplish this. Judge 
Ballon drew up a petition, which was signed by many 
citizens, and which passed the legislature, legalizing 
the Princeton and Chicago state road. Under this act 
the road was surveyed from Princeton to the county 



ROADS AT EARLY SETTLEMENT. 347 

line, by the way of Dover and La Moille, and pernia- 
iiently located. Notwithstanding the road ran ahnost 
tlie entire distance diagonally across farm land, the 
damage allowed by the commissioners on the whole 
route, being a distance of about twenty miles, did not 
exceed one hundred dollars. From the corporation of 
Princeton, the road angled for nearly one half mile 
across land which belonged to H. E. Phelps, and the 
damage allowed him was twenty-live dollars. Mr. 
Phelps would not accept the damage offered, and 
appealed to court. At the trial, one witness swore that 
he was not entitled to damage, as the land where the 
road ran was so wet that it would not pay to fence it. 

During the wild speculation of 1836, many paper 
towns were laid off, and many paper roads surveyed to 
connect them with important places. Richard Masters, 
of the town of Dover, had many roads surveyed and 
staked off, which ran in various directions through the 
county, without regard to section lines, and a large 
number of these passed by his own farm. These roads, 
with many others of their day, were never traveled 
except by the parties engaged in making the survey. 



CHAPTER XI. 



JUSTICE COURT. 



It frequently occurred, in the early settlement of the 
county, that men were elected justices of the peace 
who had no legal qualifications, and were therefore 
incompetent to fill the oflice. Sometimes attorneys 
would impose upon these justices, by explaining to 
them law which did not exist, causing them to make 
erroneous decisions, and thereby thwart the ends of 
justice. As soon as a man was elected a justice of the 
peace, his neighbors would apply to him for legal advice, 
although they well knew that he possessed no knowledge 
of law, before his election. The county records show 
many funny things in the oflficial acts of newly elected 
justices, one or two of which are worthy of note. In 
one case the acknowledgement of the grantee appears 
to a deed of conveyance instead of the grantor; in 
another case, a justice of the peace sold his neighbor a 
tract of land, and to save expense, took the acknowl- 
edgment of his own deed, in which he says that he 



JUSTICE COURT. 349 

examined his wife separate and apart from her husband, 
&c, A justice, who lived not far from Princeton, took 
an acknowledgment of a deed where the title was 
vested in the wife, and filled it out in the usual form, 
which read as follows : " Mr, B. having been examined 
by me separate and apart from his wife, acknowledged 
that he signed the within deed of conveyance, without 
fear or compulsion from his wife." In these times of 
women's rights, this acknowledgment may not be out 
of place, but it appeared strange at the time it was 
executed. 

Many years ago, a justice of the peace, and the 
attorney for the town of Princeton, kept their respective 
offices in the court house, and as they regarded them- 
selves guardians of the public weal, they were always 
on the lookout to see that no offender of the law should 
go unpunished, especially if it put money in their own 
pockets. On different occasions, when the justice was 
absent the attorney would do business for him, and 
vice versa, always dividing the fees according to their 
respective ofiices. One warm afternoon, while the 
attorney was sitting at the window of his office, looking 
out for a client, he saw a man under the influence of 
liquor, riding his horse on the sidewalk, contrary to 
the ordinance therein provided. The attorney ran 
into the justice's office to obtain a warrant, but found him 
absent. On the table he found an old warrant contain- 
ing the justice's signature; from this he erased the 
original name and inserted, "an unknown person." 



350 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

With the warrant in his hand, he looked for an ofBcei" 
to serve it, but finding none, he served it himself. All 
alone and without assistance, he arrested and brought 
the offender of the law into court, and tried him. 
Acting as marshal, attorney, witness, and justice, he 
fined the culprit five dollars, which was paid without a 
murmer, when he was again set at liberty. 

Many years ago, a man named James Gladden stole 
a horse from one Thomas Hill, who lived on Green 
river. The thief was followed to Iowa, caught and 
brought back in irons. The prisoner was taken before 
a newly elected justice in that vicinity, where a large 
crowd of angry people had collected, who threatened 
to lynch the culprit. Thomas Hope and Thomas 
Hills, who were acting as prosecuting attorneys, advised 
the excited people to abstain from violence, and let the 
law take its course. The prisoner was without counsel 
or friends, his hands and feet in irons, and apparently 
without any prospect of escaping immediate death, or 
for a term of years in the penitentiary. Fortunately 
the prisoner, he had in his possession a good watch 
and some money. These facts coming to the know- 
ledge of Mr. W., who was at once moved to action 
by pure philanthrophy, came forward in defense of the 
oppressed, and requested the justice to suspend investi- 
gation until counsel could be procured for the defense. 
The justice, with the dignity of his position, said to 
the crowd of people around him, " Although the 
prisoner is guilty of horse-stealing, he should have a 



JUSTICE COURT. 351 

fair trial, and if his innocence can be shown, this court 
will not convict him, notwithstanding his guilt." Mr. 
W.'s request was granted, and he left in great haste for 
Princeton, where he procured the sei-idces of Judge 
Zearing. On the arrival of the learned counsel, both 
court and prosecuting attorneys appeared influenced by 
his presence, and the prisoner's spirits began to revive. 
The proof being conclusive against the prisoner, the 
judge admitted his guilt, but appealed to the court for 
mercy, which appeal was made in the following 
language : 

"May it please the court — my client, as you will 
observe, is a very unfortunate man ; having no horse 
and being poor could not buy one on credit, and was 
therefore under the necessity of stealing. Had he 
been rich, it would have been an easy matter to have 
bought a horse on time, and then ran off without paying 
for it. This, your honor will observe, would be the 
same as stealing, but what law in this land of liberty 
would punish him for that offense. Before this court 
of justice and equal rights, I believe a poor man will 
fare the same as a rich one"— (the justice nodding assent). 
He continued, " If a rich man should commit an offense 
he could give security for a large amount, but this my 
client cannot do, and because a man is poor should he 
be oppressed, his rights disregarded, and conflned in a 
loathsome prison for months or perhaps years, while a 
rich man gives security and retains his liberty ? No, 
your honor, this cannot be, for it would outrage justice 
16 



352 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

and be an open violation of the constitution of the 
United States, which expressly says, ' no man on account 
of poverty shall be deprived of life, liberty and the 
pursuit of happiness.' Therefore, your honor will 
decide that fifty dollar bonds will be sufficient to hold 
the prisoner for trial." 

The attorneys for the prosecution were opposed to 
admitting the prisoner to bail, making long speeches 
against horse stealing generally, and the villainous 
conduct of Gladden in particular. 

After hearing the arguments on both sides, the justice 
said that he would hold the prisoner in one hundred 
dollar bonds for his appearance at court, as the horse he 
stole was worth that amount. A bond was executed, 
being signed by his friend W., who was in }>ossession of 
his watch and money, so as to indemnify him against 
loss. The irons were then taken off, the thief set at 
liberty, and he was never heard from afterwards. 

Gen. Wallace, who was afterwards killed at the battle 
of Shiloli, was then state's attorney, and he made a 
motion to default the security, when Judge Zearing, 
attorney for the defense, called his attention to the 
wording of the bond, which bound the security (not 
the criminal) to appear at court, and he added, " the 
security is now in court, and ready to answer." The 
state's attorney threw down the bond, and called the 
next case on the docket. 

Another remarkable case in the examination of a 
horse thief, came before a new Green river justice in 



POLITICIANS ON A RAMPAGE. 353 

the early settlement of that region. Knowing that the 
proof of the prisoner's guilt would be conclusive, his 
attorney was under the necessity of introducing a new 
plan of defense. While the justice and prosecuting 
attorney were at dinner, he tore a leaf out of the statute 
which related to horse stealing. On resuming the 
examination, the attorney for the defense admitted the 
theft, but contended that there was no law in Illinois 
against horse stealing. Every one was surprised at this 
declaration, and the attorney for the prosecution said he 
would show the court what the law was. Taking up 
the statute he consulted the index, but on turning to 
the page indicated, could find neither page nor law. 
This was very perplexing to the attorney ; he could not 
explain this mystery, and after looking the statute over 
and over again, and finding no law against horse 
stealing, he abandoned the case. 

The justice, leaning back in his chair, manifesting 
the great dignity which belonged to his position, he 
addressed the bystanders about as follows: "Gentle- 
men, I am satisfied in my own mind that horse stealing 
is wrong, and a great evil in community, but as there 
appears to be no law in this state against it, I do not 
feel authorized to hold the prisoner for trial." So the 
justice ordered the irons taken off, and the thief set free. 

POLITICIANS ON A RAMPAGE. 

In the summer of 1838, there was great excitement 



354 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

among the people of Putnam county in relation to its 
division and formation of new counties. After Bureau 
had been set off, Putnam county was left in such a shape 
that other divisions became necessary. A new county 
named Coffee, was created in the Spoon river country, 
at the same time that Bureau was formed, but its 
boundaries did not suit the people, consequently it was 
voted down, and Coffee county was heard of no more. 
The people on Spoon river demanded a county, and 
those living near Henry and Lacon one, both of which 
they proposed to take from Putnam. Meetings were 
held in different localities, politicians were active, old 
party issues were forgotten, and the all-absorbing topic 
of forming new counties, was paramount to all other 
interests. Col. William H. Henderson, of Spoon river, 
A. Moon and B. M. Hayes, of Hennepin, and Andrew 
Burns, of Magnolia, were candidates for the legislature. 
Thomas S. Elston, of Princeton, was also nominated, 
but he refused to be a candidate. The only issue before 
the people was the formation of these new counties, 
and each of the candidates represented different views on 
the main issue. Henderson, however, was elected by 
a large majority over all his competitors. 

On the day of election. Col. Henderson appeared in 
Princeton, for the purpose, as he said, of correcting 
some false reports in relation to his policy. Capt. 
Parker, of Spoon river, was also present, for the express 
purpose as he stated, of exposing some of Henderson's 
political chicanery. Parker said he did not care about 



POLITICIANS ON A RAMPAGE. 355 

electing either of the candidates, as he seldom voted to 
elect a man to office, but for many years he had felt it 
to be his duty to vote against all d — d rascals, A large 
crowd of excited people had collected on the street 
opposite where Jones' meat market now stands, some 
of whom took sides with Parker, and others with 
Henderson. Capt. Parker insisted on speaking first, 
but Henderson having previously notified the people 
that he would address them on this occasion, the majority 
decided that he was entitled to the stand, and accord- 
ingly he mounted a store box and counnenced his 
speech, Capt, Parker, being aware of Henderson's 
gifts of oratory, knowing that he would tell a smooth 
story, and thereby carry the voters with him, thought 
of destroying its effects by an opposition speech. He 
accordingly mounted an empty molasses barrel that 
stood near the speaker's stand, and commenced speaking 
hi a loud key. Being much excited, and his brain 
frenzied by bad whisky, he denounced Henderson as a 
rascal, calling him a Little Bull and Old Wiggins 
politician, who was in favor of selling the state for a 
mess of pottage,* This accusation threw Henderson 
off his balance, and jumping down from the stand, he 
caught Parker by the leg, upset the molasses barrel, 

*Soiue years previous, the legislature had borrowed one hundred 
tliousand dollars from Old Wiggins, at St. Louis, for the purpose of 
redeeming the outstanding notes of the old state bank. This act was 
very unpopular, and people raised a hue and cry against it, saying 
that Old Wiggins liad bought the stale, and its inhabitants, for genera- 
tions to come, would be slaves to him, as such a large sum of money 
never could be paid. About the same time a bill passed the legislature 
for improving the stock of cattle, and prohibited, under a penalty, 



356 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

and brought liim sprawling on the ground. Bj the 
interference of bystanders, a figlit was prevented, but 
Parker was compelled to defer his speech until Hen- 
derson was through. 



CIVIL AUTHORITY SUPERSEDED BY AN ARMED FORCE. 

Many of the early settlers of this and adjoining 
counties, will recollect Bill Kogers, who acquired great 
notoriety throughout the west as a sporting character. 
Rogers was a tall, raw-boned, dark-complexioned man, 
fond of gambling, horseracing, fighting, &c., and was 
always the leading spirit among his associates. Many 
years ago Rogers went to California, where he became 
equally noted, and at one time was sheriff at Sacramento. 

In the fall of 1837, the government removed the 
Indians from Michigan to lands assigned them west of 
the Mississippi river. Rogers was employed in con- 
ducting a party of seven or eight hundred of these 
Indians to their new home. While encamped in La 
Salle county, parties greedy of gain, brought whisky 
into camp to sell to the Indians. Rogers knocked in 
the head of a barrel, spilling the whisky on the ground, 
and then whipped one of the dealers. For this offense 



little bulls from running at large. This law was thought to favor 
the rich people, who could own big bulls, and would profit by the de- 
struction of tlie small ones. The masses took sides with the little bulls, 
contending for equal riglits even among brutes. These two acts were 
very unpopular, and for many years all that was necessary to defeat a 
candidate for office, was to make people believe that he was in favor of 
the Old Wiggins and Little Bull acts. 



CIVIL AUTHORITY" SUPERSEDED. 357 

a warrant was issued for the arrest of Rogers, but 
leaving tlie country before it was served, it was placed 
in the hands of Cyrus Langworthy, then sheriff of 
Bureau county, to serve. The sheriff at once proceeded 
to make the arrest, and coming up with Rogers in the 
valley of Bureau, a short distance above Tiskilwa, he 
notified him that he was a prisoner, and must accompany 
him forthwith to Ottawa. At this announcement 
Rogers stretched his tall form up to its full height, 
M^iile a self-possessing and determined smile lighted up 
his dark visage, as he politely informed the sheriff that 
he w'ould not go, and could not be taken. Said he, 
" Surrounded as I am by numerous friends, (referring 
to the Indians), I am prepared to resist the state, or 
even the United States authority." Rogers told the 
Indians that the sheriff was one of the whisky dealers, 
had always been an enemy of the red man, and his 
object was to detain them, so he could steal their 
ponies. At this announcement the Indians were much 
exasperated, and formed around Rogers in battle array, 
showing by their acts that they were determined to 
defend him. Sheriff Langworthy not liking the looks 
of the rifles and tomahawks in the hands of several 
hundred Indians, beat a hasty retreat, while Bill Rogers, 
with his Indian friends, pursued their way westward. 



CHAPTER XII. 



UNDERGROUND RAILROAD. 



For a number of years Bureau county was a strong- 
hold of abolitionism, and many exciting incidents, in 
connection with runaway slaves, took place within its 
boundaries, a brief account of a few of which may 
interest the reader. The first case of this kind occurred 
at the house of Elijah Smith, in December, 1835, and 
it created at the time great excitement in the neigh- 
borhood.* 

In the summer of 1835, two black girls, belonging 
to Maj. Dougherty, of St. Louis, escaped from bondage 
and found refuge at Mineral Point, Wisconsin. Some 

♦Those engaged in assisting slaves to escape, were regarded by many 
as wild fanatics, violators of law, and therefore could not be good citi- 
zens. Whether the acts of these mea were justifiable or not, it must 
be adnaitted that they were persons of moral integrity, and did only 
what they believed to be their duty. Among those most actively 
engaged in this business, were Owen Lovejoy, John Walters, Deacon 
Caleb Cook, D. E. Norton, Eli Smith and J. T. Holbrook. Eli Smith 
owned an old sorrel horse, named John, and a Dearborn wagon, with 
which, for many years, slaves were carried on their way to freedom. 
This horse and wagon became noted along the line, and it is said that 
it furnished the design for a cut tliat headed the advertising bill of the 
underground railroad. 




ELI SMITH. 



FNDEKGKOUND KAILKOAD. 861 

months after tliej arrived there, a professional slave 
catcher, named Harris, learning of their whereabouts, 
captured them, and was on his way to St. Louis, where 
he expected to receive the large reward that was ofifered 
for their return to slavery. Harris was traveling on 
horseback, and leading by his side another horse, on 
which the two girls were mounted. On a cold De- 
cember night, Harris, with his two captives, whose feet 
were badly frozen, arrived at Elijah Smith's house of 
entertainment, where he procured quarters for the 
night. It so happened that same night that James G. 
Ross, of Ox Bow prairie, being on his way to Galena, 
was staying over night at Smith's house. Mr. Ross, 
being an abolitionist, was soon engaged in a warm con- 
troversy with the slave catcher, each of whom accused 
the other of rascality. Smith's house of entertainment 
consisted of a double log cabin, of two apartments, the 
men occupying one, and the women, with the two 
black girls, the other. Eli Smith and wife, with another 
neighbor, were there sj)ending tlie evening, and on 
hearing the girls tell their sad story, they became 
interested in their behalf, and a plan was adopted for 
their rescue, Mr. Ross being a party to this project, 
proposed to take the girls to his friends, east of the 
river, where they would be assisted on their way to 
Canada. 

To avoid being suspicioned by Harris, Ross com- 
plained of sudden illness, and the women gave him 

warm teas, but getting worse, he went up stairs to bed. 
17 



362 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

Each of the cabins of which Smith's residence was 
composed, had a flight of stairs that met at the top. 
Ross, instead of going to bed, walked down the other 
flight of stairs, brought out his horse, hitched it on to 
Eli Smith's sled, and with the girls started for Hennepin. 
On reaching the timber, near Joel Doolittle's residence, 
he found the snow so near gone that his horse could 
not draw his load, so he left the old sled by the wayside, 
placed the girls on his horse, and going on foot himself, 
he continued the journey. 

Harris, believing that Ross was sick in bed, gave him- 
self no further trouble about his chatties, but went on 
to tell what he would do if any one should attempt to 
steal his negroes. Before retiring for the night, Harris 
went into the other apartment to see if everything was 
right, and he was much surprised to find the girls gone. 
Assisted by Elijah Smith, carrying a lantern, the barn 
and haystacks were searched, but without effect. Harris 
was in a terrible rage, accused the family of being 
accessory to the escape of the girls, and taking out his 
revolver, he swore he would shoot all about the house 
if they were not forthcoming. 

For three days Harris remained in the neighborhood 
searching for the runaways, but without success. The 
girls were assisted on their way towards Canada, and 
were never returned to slavery. 

In 1840, Jonathan T. Holbrook, of La Moille, was 
indicted and tried in the circuit court of this county, 
for harboring a runaway slave. This being the first 



UNDEEGROUND RAILROAD. 363 

case of the kind tried in Bureau county, it caused much 
excitement among the people, and it established a pre- 
cedent for similar cases, which were afterwards tried 
under the fugitive slave law. 

A black man, named John, supposed to be a runaway 
slave, had been in the neighborhood of La Moille about 
one year, working for Mr. Holbrook and others. It 
being well known that Mr. Holbrook was an abolitionist, 
some of the friends of slavery thought it best to make 
an example of him, hence the indictment. J. D. Caton 
and T. L. Dickey, both of whom were subsequently 
circuit judge of this district, were employed in the 
defense of Mr. Holbrook. Thomas Ford, afterwards 
governor, was on the bench at that time, and his rulings 
were such as to displease the prosecution. Although 
the court and attorneys were opposed to abolitionism, 
they had no sympathy with the prosecution. The trial 
was a mere farce, and Mr. Holbrook was acquitted. 

In the fall of 1838, a young man, with black hair, 
broad shoulders, and peculiar expressive blue eyes, was 
seen coming into Princeton on horseback. He was 
alone, and a stranger, without means, being in search of 
a place to make his future home, and came here by mere 
chance. This man was Owen Lovejoy, subsequently of 
political celebrity.* Soon after arriving here, Mr. 

* On the morning of the 9th of November, 1837, the writer landed 
from a steamboat on the wharf at Alton, and learned from the excited 
people what had transpired there the night before. The pel)bles on 
the wharf were stained with the blood of Bishop, and on the floor of 



364 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTS. 

Lovejoy was installed pastor of the Congregational 
Cliurch, and occupied that position for sixteen years. 
From that time Princeton became a place of note ; 
although containing but few inhabitants, and having 
but little commercial relation with other parts of the 
world, it was, nevertheless, the head center of aboli- 
tionism for the west, Newspapers of that day reported 
state conventions held here, and great speeches made in 
favor of immediate emancipation, so that Princeton 
was known in abolition circles throughout the Union. 
Even slaves at the south heard of it, and many of them 
came to see it, which caused Col. Barksdale in a speech 
in Congress, to denounce Princeton as one of the 
greatest negro stealing places in the west. 

According to abolition papers of that day, an under- 
ground railroad was established, which extended from 
the slave states to Canada, passing through Princeton, 
and making it a place for changing cars. John Cross, 
a Wesleyan Methodist minister, who lived near La 
Moille, was announced general superintendent, and he 
was succeeded in office by Owen Lovejoy. Mr. Cross 
had hand bills and large posters cu-culated through 
the country advertising his business, and calling on 



Godfrey & Gilmau's warehouse, was seen standing in clotted pools, the 
life-blood of Elijah P. Lovejoy. 

The death of Lovejoy was heralded throughout the Union, and 
caused people everywhere to go wild with excitement, but at that time 
no one thought that a quarter of a century would scarcely pass away 
before thousands of liveg and millions of money would be sacrificed 
on account of slavery. 



UNDERGROUND RAILROAD. 865 

abolitionists everywhere for assistance in carrying out 
his plans. His bills were not headed with a picture of a 
locomotive and a train of cars, but witli a bobtail horse 
in a Dearborn wagon — the driver leaning forward and 
applying the whip, while the heads of two darkies 
were seen peering ont from under the seat. Stations 
were established at proper distances, and agents in 
readiness to convey fugitives forward as soon as they 
arrived. It was almost an every day occurrence for 
slaves to pass through on this line, while their masters 
followed after by the ordinary means of conveyance, 
and were surprised to find how fast their chatties had 
traveled. Many exciting incidents occurred on this 
underground railroad, some of which are still fresh in 
the minds of the people. 

In 1849, a young slave named John, ran away from 
his master in Missouri, located in Princeton, and became 
quite a favorite among the people. His master, hearing 
of his whereabouts, and accompanied by a friend to 
prove property, came after him. The slave was mowing 
in an out lot in the north part of town, and did not 
observe the slave catchers until they came upon him, 
each of whom presented a pistol to his head, which 
caused him to make no resistance. His hands were 
tied behind him, and his master holding one end of 
the rope, led him like a dog through the streets of the 
town. News of the boy's capture flew like lightning, 
and people, much excited, were seen running hither 
and thither, marshaling their forces for the rescue. A 



866 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

warrant was issued, and the slave catchers arrested on 
the charge of kidnapping, and with the slave were 
taken to the court house for trial. The court room was 
tilled with excited people, some of whom sympathized 
with the slave, and others his master. While the trial 
was progressing, some one cut the rope that bound 
the slave, and during the confusion he escaped from the 
court room, followed by the excited crowd, some to 
catch, and others to assist him in making his escape. 
A horse, with a woman's saddle on, was hitched in the 
street, on which they placed the slave, and ordered him 
to ride with all speed to the residence of Mr. Lovejoy, 
followed by the court and crowd of excited people. The 
house of Mr, Lovejoy was surrounded by the excited 
people, some to protect, and others to capture the 
slave. Behind the barn a man was seen to mount a 
horse, and a cry was raised, "There goes the negro." 
The slave party put their horses at full speed in pursuit 
of the fugitive, who had taken across the prairie in the 
direction of Dover, but on coming up with him they 
were surprised to find instead of the negro Mr. Waldo 
with a black veil over his face. 

The slave party attempted to force an entrance into 
the house, but Mr. Lovejoy forbid them doing so 
without due process of law. A messenger was sent 
for a search warrant, and while they were waiting for 
his return, the boy in disguise, with a basket on his 
arm, went to the barn. Behind the barn a wagon was 
standing, into which the slave was placed and covered 



UNDERGROUND RAILROAD. 367 

up with empty bags. This wagon was drove quietly 
away, and the slave escaped while the slave party stood 
guard around Mr. Lovejoy's house, waiting for a search 
warrant. 

The Rev. John Cross, general agent and superin- 
tendent of the underground railroad, was charged by 
parties in Knox county with assisting a slave on his 
way to freedom. For this offense a warrant was issued 
for his arrest, and placed into the hands of the sheriff 
of this county, as Mr. Cross resided near La Moille at 
that time. The deputy sheriff arrested Cross, and 
proceeded with him on his way to Knoxville, where he 
was to be tried for the henious offense of assisting a 
slave on his way to Canada. At Osceola, Stark county, 
the deputy, with his prisoner, stopped for the night, and 
as Cross had an engagement to preach there the next 
day, he asked permission of the officer to fill his 
appointment, but his request was not granted. The 
friends of Mr. Cross offered to guarantee his safe de- 
livery after the service, but the officer was inexorable, 
and explained to them that the law made no provision 
for a criminal to stop while on his way to jail to deliver 
abolition lectures, — telling them that he was an officer 
of the law, and should carry out its provisions at all 
hazards, — that no abolition mob could intimidate him. 
To this the friends of Mr. Cross replied that he should 
stay and preach, intimating to the officer that he might 
get into trouble if he undertook forcible means to 
carry off his prisoner. The deputy, finding that he had 



368 REMINISCENCES OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 

fell into the hands of the Phillistines, lost all his courage, 
became nervous, and finally consented that his prisoner 
might stay and preach, but he kept all the while at his 
elbow to prevent his escape. After preaching was 
over, the officer summoned a posse to assist him in 
taking the prisoner to Knoxville, but finding they were 
all friends of the prisoner, he dismissed them, as they 
would be likely to do him more harm than good. The 
officer then inquired of Mr. Cross how much he would 
ask to deliver himself up peaceably to the jailor at 
Knoxville ; to which he replied that he would do it for 
ten dollars. The officer thought the price exhorbitant, 
but ofifered him five, and they finally agreed on seven 
dollars. Things being now arranged, they proceeded 
on their journey, but the officer appeared uneasy, 
being fearful that the prisoner's friends had laid a trap 
to rescue him on the road. The officer frequently 
inquired of Mr. Cross if he though, in case ol a rescue, 
they would commit violence on him, to which Mr. 
Cross replied he could not tell what they would do, as 
his friends were very angry at his arrest, and therefore 
he would not be responsible for their acts. Fearful 
forebodings of evil had now taken possession of the 
officer s mind, and he turned pale, became nervous and 
excited. Mr. Cross assured him that he had nothing 
to do with the rescue, and in fact did not wish it, for in 
that case he would lose the seven dollars, which he 
very much needed. 

As the officer with his prisoner came near Spoon 



UNDERGROUND RAILROAD. 369 

river timber, they saw two men in the road ahead of 
them, who were engaged in conversation, while two 
others were seen going towards them. Mr. Cross 
appeared surprised to see his friends about to rescne 
hiui, and said he would defeat their plans, as he could 
not think of losing the forthcoming seven dollars. He 
told the sheriff to lay down in the bottom of the buggy 
and he would cover him over with buffalo robes, so his 
friends, seeing him alone and not under arrest, would 
not stop him. This arrangement was agreed to by the 
sheriff, and he was nicely wrapped up in robes and 
horse blankets, so that no part of his person was visible. 
On coming up with the men in the road, who were 
there by chance. Cross spoke to them, at the same time 
whipping his horses, and went on at great speed. A 
little further on, where the road was very rough, he 
spoke to some imaginary person, again whipping his 
horses into a gallop. The old buggy rattled and creaked, 
as it bounded over stumps and through deep ruts, the 
sheriff's head coming in contact with the seat, then 
against the side of the box, while suppressed groans 
came forth from the official victim. Again and again 
Mr. Cross would speak as though meeting some one, 
and whipping his horses into a gallop as before, the 
buggy rattled and the sheriff groaned, but on he went, 
Jehu-like, for about two miles, over a rough timber 
road. At last Mr, Cross made a halt, uncovered the 

sheriff, telling him to get up, as they had now passed 
18 



370 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

all danger. As he arose, looking cautiously around him 
to see that no enemy was near, he took out his two 
pistols to examine them, saying at the same time, " If 
they had attacked me, I would have made a powerful 
resistance," 

That same day the prisoner was safely delivered over 
to the authorities at Knoxville, and was set at liberty 
without an examination. 



CHAPTER XIII. 



THE MAGICIAN. 



Many years ago, a tall, spare, light complexioned 
man, of peculiar appearance, by the name of Jacob 
Wade, came to this county, and for a number of years 
made his home near the village of Dover. Wade 
professed to be a magician, and by his magic art made 
a good living out of those who became his dupes. He 
would travel around the neighborhood telling fortunes, 
looking up stolen property, and pointing out hidden 
treasures. If horses or cattle had strayed off or been 
stolen, he would look into his hat, and tell where they 
could be found. For a while Wade's fame extended 
far and near, and many people from a distance came to 
consult him on secret matters. Young men and mai- 
dens were in the habit of consulting Wade on their 
love affairs, and by him they would always receive balm 
to heal their wounded hearts. 

Among Wade's dupes was a man named James Peters, 
who at that time owned the Bureau Valley mills, and 



372 REMINISCENCES OF BUREA.U COUNTY. 

report says that this magician swindled him ont of a 
large sum of money. Wade made Peters believe that 
the peep stone, with which Joe Smith discovered the 
golden bible, was still in existence, belonging to a man 
in Western New York, and could be bought for two 
hundred dollars. Peters believing this story, employed 
Wade to purchase this stone for him, advancing the 
purchase money and traveling expenses, besides giving 
him a tine yoke of cattle for his trouble. After a few 
weeks this wonderful peep stone was produced by Wade, 
but Peters could see nothing through it. Wade's magic 
power was again tested, and on looking through the 
stone he discovered a chest of diamonds secreted about 
ten feet under ground. Peters now believed his fortune 
was made, employed a number of Irish laborers, and 
commenced digging. Day after day the digging went 
on ; Peters was sanguine that the prize would be ob- 
tained, urging on the work by paying extravagant 
wages, while Wade sat on a log near by, looking through 
the peep stone, and giving directions to the laborers. 
As they came nigh the prize, something would be said 
or done to break the charm, when it would be moved to 
another place. In this way man}' holes were dug in 
the creek bottom, north of the Bureau Yalley mills — 
some of which are still to be seen. After spending 
much time and money in searching for diamonds, Peters 
lost all faith in the magic peep stone, and threw it into 
the creek, sold his property, and left the country. 
Two prominent citizens of Dover were captivated with 



THE MAGICIAN. 373 

Wade's magic power, and by him they were made to 
beheve that a pot of gold was secreted in the bluflf near 
tlie present site of Bureau Junction, Tliese men left 
their business one bright morning, and went off in 
seai'ch of gold, without letting their families know of 
their whereabouts. With spades and shovels, and two 
empty salt sacks to hold the gold, and accompanied by 
Wade, they left for Leepertown in order to secure their 
foi'tune. The spot was pointed out by Wade, and the 
woi'k commenced. Neither of the men were accustomed 
to manual labor, and they found digging in a hard 
gravelly knoll very different from measuring calico. 
With blistered hands, and the sweat running down 
their faces, they worked awa}- in silence, while Wade 
sat by their side looking into his hat, by which means 
he watched the pot of gold. The day was now far 
advanced, the gold diggers tired and their faith wa- 
vering, but Wade told them if they doubted their 
success, or used hard words, the charm would be broken 
and the gold removed. At last one of the gold diggers 
threw down his spade, at the same time exclaiming, 
" I'll be durned if I'll dig any more." Then said Wade, 
as he sat looking into his hat, " By your incredulity the 
prize is lost, for that moment I saw the pot of gold 
move to another place." 

It was Ions: after dark when the i^-old diffo^ers returned 
home, tired and disheartened, with their hands blistered, 
clothes soiled, and their salt sacks still empty. 

Years have now passed away, and with many this 



374 



REMINISCENCES OF BURBA.U COUNTY. 



incident is almost forgotten, but the parties themselvee 
still dislike to talk about digging for gold. 



METEOROLOGICAL TABLE. 

During the year 1850, the writer kept a record ol 
the variation of the thermometer, taken morning and 
evening of each daj, with the following result : 

MEAN TEMPERATURE FOR EACH MONTH. 



Month. 



January,... 
February,. 

March 

April 



May, 

June, 71 

July, 

August 

September, 

October, 

November, 

December, 



50 
0) 


CO • 


Sn- 




^\ai 




c3 


ag 


pa 


o 1 


" 




25 


1 


tl 


4 


80 


2 


1 


34 


4 


2 


1 


40 


8 


2 




57 


4 


l*-4 




71 


« 


ix 




78 


9 




70 
60 


iio 

10 




ol 


."i 


3 




44 


5 


•s% 


3 


21 


2 


1 


4 






9>^ 



Winter, 29 degrees; spring, 43; summer, 73; autumn, 51. Mean tem- 
perature for the year, 48 degrees. Greatest cold, January 4th,— 12 
degrees below zero; greatest heat, July 10th,— 101. During the year 
there were sixty-eight rains, and thirteen days snow. 

The winter of 1830-31 was intensely cold, with snow 
three feet deep, and drifted very much ; the winter of 
1832-33 was unusually mild; the winter of 1842-43 
was very cold, and snow lay from November 17tb 
until April 2d; the summer of 1844 very wet, with 
great floods; 1845 was uncommon dry — no rain fell on 
the west side of Dover township from April 28th until 
Christmas day, when it rained hard, with heavy thunder 
and lightning. 



CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS. 375 

On the 20th of December, 1836, occurred a very 
remarkable change in the weather, which will long be 
remembered by early settlers. For two days previous 
to this sudden change, southern wind prevailed, the sun 
shining warm like spring weather, and the snow which 
was deep at the time, had melted into slush. About 
three o'clock in the afternoon, the wind changed to tlie 
northwest, and blew almost a gale, and within a few 
hours the thermometer changed eighty degrees. Forest 
trees cracked like guns ; sleds and wagons which were 
standing in the street froze fast in their tracks. A man 
and his daughter who lived east of Hennepin, being 
out after their cattle, a short distance from the house, 
were frozen to death, and a number of people in 
different parts of the west perished that afternoon and 
evening. In a number of instances, cattle and hogs, 
while standing by the side of a building to shield them- 
selves from the wind, with their feet in slushy snow, 
were frozen fast in their tracks, and found dead next 
morninff. 



CHURCHES AND SCHOOLS. 

The first religious service within the limits of Bureau 
county, was held at the house of John Hall, in August 
1830. Six or eight persons were present, and Elijah 
Epperson preached to them. There was no established 
ministry of any denomination, until the summer of 
1833, when William Koyal, a Methodist missionary, 



376 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

made Bureau settlement oue of his appointments, 
preaching once in four weeks, at the residence of 
Abram Stratton. His niission extended from Peoria 
to Ottawa, witli twenty-two preaching places, some of 
which were more than thirty miles apart, and he passed 
around his circuit once in four weeks. 

In the fall of 1833, the Kev. Lucien Farnham, a 
Congregational minister, located in Princeton, and 
received liis support|partly from the Home Missionary 
Society. In September, 1834, the first camp meeting 
for Bureau settlement was held in the grove west of 
Princeton, near the residence of Oscar Knox. The 
Methodists and Congregationalists united in holding 
this meeting, and it was agreed that proselytes should 
be at liberty to join which ever church they preferred. 
John St. Clair was at that time presiding elder; his 
dis.trict extended over all the north part of the state, 
including both Gralena and Chicago. The elder, in his 
opening address to the congregation, said it was a 
Methodist meeting, and they would claim all the 
converts. The Congregational ministers, Mr. Farnham 
and Mr. Dickey, took exceptions to this, and from that 
time forward sectional feeling existed among the 
settlers. 

The iirst school house within the limits of this county 
was built in the winter of 1833-34, on a farm now 
owned by Mrs. R. Moseley. This building was fourteen 
feet square, and intended to accommodate all of the 
settlement on the Princeton prairie. On the division 




JOEL DOO LITTLE. 



SETTLEMENT OF PEINCETON PEAIEIE. 379 

of the school district, this school house was moved near 
Joel Doolittle's residence, and a new one built in the 
timber where George Brown now lives. The first 
school west of the Illinois river was taught by Elijah 
Smith, in a part of his own house, during the winter of 
1838-34. The first school west of Main Bureau, and 
north of town sixteen, was taught by Miss Hattie 
Coulter, (now Mrs. Burnham), in the summer of 1836. 
This school was kept in a vacant cabin, where L. Holi- 
day now lives, and consisted of eight or ten scholars. 



SETTLEMENT OF PRINCETON PKAIKIE. 

It has already been stated that members of the Hamp- 
shire colony, as well as Roland Moseley and friends, 
had settled on the Princeton prairie during the summer 
of 1831. Early in the spring of the same year, John 
Williams made a claim west of Princeton, on a farm 
now occupied by John Wagner. Mr. Williams built a 
small log cabin by the side of a spring, where he 
remained for a year or two, but his family was sick 
much of the time, and being obliged to flee from his 
home two years in succession, he became disgusted 
with the country, abandoned his claim and left it never 
to return. 

In the spring of 1832, Joel Doolittle settled on a farm 

which still bears his name, and in the fall of the same 

year Cyrus and John H, Bryant came to the country. 

In 1833 James Hayes and Abram Jones made claims 
19 



380 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

west of town, on farms now occupied by Aaron and 
Oscar Knox. The same year Arthur Bryant and L, 
Reeves came to the country, and settled where they 
now live. The land on which they located was claimed 
by John B. Blake, but he was then east of the Illinois 
river engaged in teaching school for ten dollars per 
month, leaving his claim with Dr. N. Chamberlain, 
who sold it to the above named parties for twenty-five 
dollars. In the spring of 1833, Maj. N. Chamberlain 
made a claim south of town, on a farm now occupied 
by E. Douglas, and lived here for many years. In 

1834, Aaron Mercer,Caleb Cook, Asher Doolittle, Elisha 
Wood and Mr. Tucker came here. The next year Col. 
A. Bryant, Solomon Burr, James and Alby Smith, But- 
ler Denham, David Robinson and the large families of 
Coltons and Winships, became residents of Princeton 
prairie. 

CHENOWETH PRAIRIE AND LONE TREE SETTLEMENT. 

The prairie lying between Senachwine and Main 
Bureau timber, was known in the early settlement of 
the county as Chenoweth prairie. The first claim was 
made in the fall of 1834 by Ferrill Dunn, on the farm 
now occupied by Alanson Benson. In the spring of 

1835, Elder J. B. Chenoweth, Elisha Searl, H. Sheldon 
and P. Kirkpatrick, settled here. A few years after- 
ward, Elial and Noah Long, Harrison Shepard, Mr. 
Perkins, Dr. Swanzy, O. Milling, A. Brown, S. E. 



CHENOWETH PRAIRIE AND LONE TREE. 381 

Morris, Y, Aldrich and S. B. Titcomb, became residents 
of this locality. 

South of Chenoweth prairie, on high ground, some 
distance from timber, once stood a lone tree, which 
became a noted land mark in the early settlement of 
the country. This tree was a white oak, with large 
spreading top, and could be seen for miles away — a 
guide for travelers in the absence of roads. After 
having withstood the tempest, probably for centuries, 
at last it yielded to its power. During a violent gale 
in June, 1866, it fell to the ground, and is no more, 
but its memory will live long among the people of that 
locality. In 1841, a settlement was commenced here, 
and for many years it was known as the Lone Tree 
settlement, John and T. Kirkpatrick were the first to 
settle in this locality, and the next year they built a 
saw mill on Crow creek. In the spring of 1842, J. 
Larkins and Nelson Ballman made farms near the lone 
tree, and next year Alpheus Cook, J. Merritt and others, 
made larms north of it. Among the early settlers in 
the vicinity of the lone tree, were Henry, G. W. and 
Raleigh Rich, S, M. Clark, J. and S. Miller, and the 
large family of Andersons. 

About two miles northwest of Lone Tree is the 
Locust Spring, another old land mark of former days. 
This spring was a great watering place for buffalo, and 
at the time of early settlement their trails were visible, 
extendmg in various directions across tlie prairie. 



382 BEMINI80ENOE8 OF BUREAU COUNT V. 

leading to and from the water. Along the Senachwine, 
above and below the spring, the ground for some ways 
was almost covered with buffalo bones, evidently 
showing where a large herd had perished. 



CHAPTER XIV. 



SETTLEMENT OF GREEN EIVER. 

For many years after settlements had been made in 
the eastern and central portions of the county, the land 
on Green river remained vacant, unoccupied, without 
a house or a cultivated field, and was visited only by 
hunters and trappers. Originally the country was 
known as Winnebago swamps, but it took the name of 
Green river about the time the settlement commenced. 
In October, 1836, Henry Thomas entered land at the 
narrows (now New Bedford), and for a number of years 
it was the only entered tract in that section of the 
country. In the spring of 1837, Cyrus "Watson, the 
first settler on Green river, built a cabin on Thomas' 
land, believing it to be vacant. About this time a state 
road was laid from Princeton to Prophetstown, on Rock 
river, crossing Green river at this point, when Henry 
Thomas built a ferry boat, and for a number of years it 
was known as Thomas' ferry. 

Among the first settlers on Green river, were Francis 



384 BEMINI8CENCE8 OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

and William Adams, Samuel D. Brady, Milton Cain, 
Daniel Davis, Lewis Burroughs, Dwight Bingham, 
Norman and Justus Hall, Peter McDonald, Mr. Heath, 
George W. Spratt, T. and N, Hill, Joseph Caswell, J, 
N, Kise and Jacob Sells. The Yorktown settlement 
commenced in the year 1846, and among the first that 
settled there were W. and S. Dow, R. H. and S. W. 
Seldon, and the large family of McKinzies. 

The Indian Boundary line passed immediately north 
of New Bedford, and north of which the land was not 
in market until 1844. The people who settled here 
were poor, without money to enter their lands, and for 
years it was held by claims or pre-emption right. There 
was an organized society formed on Green river, known 
as the " Settler's League," with a constitution and by- 
laws, the object of which was to prevent speculators 
and others from entering their lands. From this 
settler's league, originated the phrase " State of Green 
river." 

George W. Spratt was the first justice of the peace 
elected on Green river, and the first suit before him was 
attended by almost every person in the settlement. 
Simon Kinney and Judge Ballou were at that time the 
only attorneys in the county, and they were employed 
in this case as opposing counsel. There was living in 
the settlement a half-breed, by the name of Green, with 
his two French sons-in-law, Battis and Shane, all of 
whom were hunters and trappers. Green was a party 
to this suit, and on account of color objections were 



LOST GROVE SETTLEMENT. 385 

made to his family testifying at the trial. The question 
of color was argued by the counsel, and decided by the 
court, but the jury did not like the decision, and con- 
sequently reversed it. 

Spratt's cabin contained only one room, and the jury, 
for deliberation, were taken into a cave, dug out of a 
sand knoll, and used for a root house. Although the 
question of color was settled by the justice, the jury 
regarded it their duty to decide the constitutionality of 
the black laws of Illinois. And here in this dark and 
loathsome root house, lighted only by a single candle, 
the first Green river jury decided that a man with a 
drop of negro or Indian blood in his veins, could not 
be believed under oath. 



LOST GROVE SETTLEMENT. 

Lost Grove, is a small belt of timber in the town of 
Westfield, and contains from one to two hundred acres 
of land. Like many other groves in the county, it has 
a history ; a part of which will be of interest to the 
reader. In the spring of 1881, Mason Dimmick, 
claimed Lost Grove, and commenced a cabin at its 
southeast end, where the village of Arlington, now 
stands. Dimmick did not complete his cabin, nor 
occupy it, and a few years afterwards he abandoned his 
claim. In 1834 O. H. Hugh, claimed the grove, com- 
pleted the cabin which Dimmick, had commenced. 



386 EEMINISCENCE8 OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

moved into it, broke and fenced in a small field. 
Hugh being without neighbors, and as he thought, 
without any prospect of ever having any, became 
disatisfied with his location, and offered to sell his 
claim for twenty-five dollars. In the spring of 1835, 
Col. Austin Bryant, and Enoch Pratt, examined this 
claim for the purpose of buying it, but they thought 
the timber only sufficient for two farms, and they must 
necessarily be without meeting or schools. Mr. Hugli 
being unsuccessful in selling his claim, abandoned it 
and left the country ; his cabin went to decay and for 
five years no person lived at Lost Grove. 

For twelve years after the settlement had commenced 
on Bureau, Lost Grove, and the country around it, 
remained vacant and unoccupied, the haunts and roving 
ground for deer and wolves. In the fall of 1835, Lost 
Grove was claimed by two young men named Blodgett 
and Lindley. While they were disputing about their 
respective rights, Benj. Briggs, a non-resident, entered 
it, and in 1840 he sold it to Michael Kennedy, who 
made a large farm here soon after. 

In the summer of 1840, David Koth having a con- 
tract of grading on the old Illinois Central railroad, 
built a house on government land, two miles east of 
the grove, and sold it the next year to Martin Corley, 
who still occupies it. Others settled around the grove 
soon after, among whom were Daniel Cahill, Daniel 
Lyon, James "Waugh, Peter Cassady, and others. 



SETTLEMENT IN THE WEST OF THE COUNTY. 887 

Previous to the year 1834 no settlement had been made 
in the western part of this county, and for many years 
after that period the country remained uninhabited and 
unoccupied, except a few families who lived at some of 
the principal groves. In the spring of 1834, Thornton 
Cummings made a claim on the north side of French 
Grove, and J. G. Keed at Coal Grove, near the present 
site of Sheffield. Next year Paul Riley, Caleb and Eli 
Moore, and James Laughrey, made claims at French 
Grove. A. Fay, at Menominee Grove, and Benjamin 
Cole at Bulbona Grove. In the summer of 1836, John, 
Thomas and Moses Stevens, with their large families, 
became residents of this locality, and at the same time 
Jesse and George Emerson, Joseph Lyford, and others 
settled here. Soon after, Amos Whittemore, Franklin 
and Joseph Foster, John and C. P. Mason, S. Brainard 
and Peter Fifield became residents. 

In 1836, William Studley settled at the south end of 
Barren Grove, and soon after William and George 
Norton, IT. P. Batlerill and James Tibbetts located near 
by. About the same time a settlement was made at 
Sugar Grove, and the north end of Barren Grove; 
among the early settlers were Curtiss Williams, Thomas 
Grattidge, John Clark, Dr. Hall, George Squires and 
E. D. Kemp. 

The towns of Manilas and Gold were the last in the 

county to settle, and the land in them was princii)ally 

vacant as late as 1850. Among the early settlers of 

these towns were Samuel Mathis, Sylvester Barber. 
20 



388 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

Thomas Rinehart, Allen Lathrop, Charles McKime, 
James Martin, Dr. Moore, N. IST. Hewitt, David Marple, 
George Detro, Jacob Waters and Joseph Johnston. 

In the fall of 1834, J. G. Reed found a coal bank in 
Coal Grove, which was the first discoA''ered within the 
limits of this county. 



EARLY SETTLEMENT ON MAIN BUREAU. 

In the spring of 1830, John L. and Justus Ament 
made claims on the east side of Main Bureau timber ; 
built cabins, and occupied them with their families. 
These were the first claims taken along Bureau timber, 
and they are occupied at present by James G. Forristall, 
and Mathew Taylor. In the fall of 1830, Sylvester 
Brigham and James G. Forristall made claims south of 
Ament's, the former where James Hensel now lives, 
and the latter on a farm now occupied by James 
Coddington. In 1833, James Garvin and D. Ellis 
made claims on the east side of the timber, and Green- 
berry Hall, and Abram Musick on the west side. In 
1834, Elias Isaac, Robert Masters, Obadiah Britt, 
Thornton Wilson, and Robert Gerton settled on the 
east side of the timber, and about the same time 
Richard Masters, Marshall Mason, James Wilson, and 
John Elliott made claims on the west side. In 1835, 
Israel and J. H. Huffaker, John Wise, Thomas Cole, 
Abner Boyle and others settled on the east side of the 
timber. 




JA3IES G. FORRISTALL 



SETTLEMENT IN THE NORTH OF THE COUNTY. 891 

As early as the spring of 1836, a settlement was 
commenced on what was afterwards known as the Dovei- 
prairie, and the first house was built by George Clark, 
on the farm now occupied by him. With the exception 
of a few houses in Princeton and vicinity, there was 
none built off from the timber, and from this time dates 
the settling of the prairies of Bureau county. 

In the summer of 1836, Enos, Sidney and Oden Smith, 
and Alfred Clark entered land and made farms out on 
the prairie, near East Bureau creek. Soon afterwards 
others came in, among whom were Martin Zearing, S. 
Mohler, John Bellangee, Peletiah, and Nathan Rackley, 
Benj. Porter, George Wells, and C. G. Reed. 

For many years the settlement on the west side of 
the creek was confined to a string of farms along the 
margin of the timber, and land adjoining these farms 
belonged to non-residents. In 1840, Robert Limerick 
entered land and made a farm near where the village 
of Limerick now stands, and for a number of years he 
was the only resident on that prairie. 

SETTLEMENT IN THE NORTH PART OF THE COUNTY. 

Although two cabins were built in the north part of 
the county at an early day, the settlement of that 
locality is of a recent date. The towns of Ohio and 
Walnut, which are among the best in the county, were 
mostly vacant in 1850, and from that time the settle- 
ment of them dates. It has already been stated that 



392 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

the Anient family settled at Red Oak Grove, in the 
spring of 1828 ; three years afterwards they sold their 
claim to James Magl)y,who occupied it a short tinie,when 
lie abandoned it and left the country. In 1833, James 
Claypoll lived here, and in 1836 he sold his claim to 
Luther Denliam, who occupied it for some years. 

In the summer of 1836, a man named Martin claimed 
Walnut Grove, built a cabin ; broke and fenced some 
prairie, but next year A.. H. Janes and Greenberry 
Triplett jumped his claim and made farms here soon 
after, others settled around the grove, among whom 
were Truman Culver, Richard Brewer, Peter McKnitt, 
Thomas Sanders, Richard Langford, E. Kelly, and the 
large family of Wolf. 

In the spring of 1830, Dad Joe (Joseph Smith), 
located at Dad Joe Grove, and lived here for six years 
without neighbors. In 1836, T, S. Elston came in 
possession of this claim, and for many years it W3,s 
occupied by different renters, who kept here a house of 
entertainment. In 1841, F. G. Buckan built a cabin 
on the north line of the county, and it was afterwards 
occupied by Mr. Abbot. lu 1846, Wm. Cleveland 
built a cabin on high prairie, three miles south of Dad 
Joe Grove, but he abandoned it the next year. A year 
or two afterward John and Andrew Ross settled on the 
prairie, and soon afterwards others made farms in this 
vicinity, among whom were Squire Falvey, John 
Kasbeer, William Cowen, Stephen Wilson, Mr. Hun- 
ter, Daniel P. and Dwight Smith. 



EARLY SETTLEMENT OF PRINCETON. 393 

Princeton is located on the school section, and was 
laid oflf by Roland Moseley, John P. Blake and John 
Musgrove, acting as school trustees. Its survey bears 
date September, 1832, and the sale of lots took place 
at ITenne})in in May following. The lots were sold on 
credit, with six months interest, payable in advance. 
But a small portion of the school section was sold, and 
the average proceeds of the sale was about tM^o dollars 
and fifty cents per acre. 

The first building erected on the site of Princeton 
was a log cabin, built by S. Courtwright, in the fall of 
1833, immediately north of the Congregational Church, 
and used by him as a blacksmith shop. The second 
building was a one story frame structure, twelve feet 
square, built by John M. Gay on the site of the " Tem- 
pleton Store,'' and was afterwards occupied by William 
Wells as a dwelling. The third house was a log cabin 
built by F. Haskill, on a lot now occupied by the resi- 
dence of Elijah Dee. On the 7th of June, 1834, Mr. 
Haskill opened a store in this cabin, which was the first 
store within the limits of this county, and the first 
article sold was a horse collar to Christopher Corss. In 
the fall of 1834, Stephen Triplett built on the east side 
oi' Main street a one story frame structure, sixteen by 
eighteen feet, with an earthern fire place and a stick 
chimney, on the front of which was a large sign of 
" Princeton Hotel." Afterwards Mr. Triplett built an 
addition on the front of his house, and for some years 



394 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTS, 

it was the principal hotel of the place. In the summer 
of 1835, Elijah Wiswall built a one story frame house 
on the corner now occupied by the " Converse Block," 
and for some years it was used for a dwelling. 

In the fall of 1835, the Hampshire Colony Congre- 
gational Church was built on the public square, where 
the court house now stands. This was a two story 
frame structure, raised high above the ground on 
wooden blocks, and made an imposing appearance. 
This church, at the time it was built, attracted much 
attention from travelers, as it was far in advance of the 
settlement, and had no equal as a public building within 
a circle of fifty miles. Deacon Elisha Wood built this 
church under a contract for six hundred and fifty dollars, 
and for some time the inside remained unfinished, con- 
taining only a rough board pulpit and slaJ3 seats. This 
building is now standing oivthe sputh"«4«^f t;Jie public 
square, and octntpi«d for a dwelling, it being the only 
original land mark of Princeton now remaining. 

Tn the fall of 1837, the M. E. Church built a small 
frame building on First street, near the present residence 
of Mrs. C. L. Kelsey. In 1838, the Baptists built a 
small church, and soon after the Protestant Methodists 
erected a brick church on Third street. 

Among the first mercantile firms of Princeton, were 
those of Daniel King and Justin H. Olds, D. G. Salis- 
bury and B. L. Smith ; the latter firm, with their two 
families, occupied a frame building on the site of the 



EAELY SETTLEMENT OF PRINCETON. 395 

First National bank. In the front part of this building 
were dry goods and groceries, post office, county clerk 
and recorder's office, county judge and office of a justice 
of the peace.* 

♦For a further account of settlement, see "Sketches of Bureau 
County." 



CHAPTER XV. 



PKOGRESS OF SETTLEMENT. 



During the year of 1828, there were only live families 
living with the limits of Bureau county, whose names 
are as follows : Henry Thomas, Reason B. Hall, John 
Dixon, Bulbona, and Ament family. In 1830, there 
were nine families; in 1831, sixteen families; in 1832, 
thirty-one families, besides a number of single men, 
who had built cabins and were living in them. The 
names and location of these thirty-one families were as 
follows : Town of La Moille, Daniel Dimmick ; Dover, 
John L. Ament; Princeton, Elijah Epperson, Dr. N, 
Chamberlin, Eli and Elijah Smith, John Musgrove, 
Roland Moseley, Mrs. E. Smith, Robert Clark, and 
Joel Doolittle ; Arispie, Michael Kitterman, Curtiss 
Williams, and Dave Jones ; Selby, John Hall, William 
Hoskins, John Clarke, and Amos Leonard ; Wyanet, 
Abram Oblist, and Bulbona; Bureau, Henry and 
Ezekiel Thomas, Abram Stratton, and John M. Gay ; 
Ohio, Dad Joe ; Walnut, James Magby ; Milo, Charles 



PROGRESS OF SETTLEMENT. 397 

S. Boyd; Leepertown, Timothy Perkins, and Leonard 
Eoth ; Hall, William Tompkins, and Sampson Cole. 

As late as the spring of 1886, there was no one living 
in the town of Fairfield, Manlius, Mineral, Neponset, 
Macon, Gold, Wheatland, Greenville, nor Westlield. 
There was but one family in Milo, one in Walnut, one 
in Ohio, four in Berlin, live in Bureau, five in Concord, 
and six in Clarion. 

The dwellings throughout the county were log cabins, 

mostly built in the edge of the timber by the side of a 

spring. There was but one meeting house; two or 

three log school houses ; only two surveyed roads, and 

not a stream bridged. At that time there were but 

five families living on the west side of Main Bureau 

timber, and two west of West Bureau, north of 

tow^n sixteen. There was not a resident on Green river, 

nor in the west part of the county, except a few families 

at French, Bulbona, and Coal Groves. A few houses 

were clustered around Princeton, and with the exception 

of these, not a dwelling could be seen on the prairies 

of this county. All the land then under cultivation 

was a small field here and there adjoining the timber, 

and the prairies throughout the county were in a state 

of nature, a part of which had not yet been surveyed. 

Most of the early settlers believed that they would 

always remain vacant, and unoccupied, being valuable 

only for grazing laud, for horses and cattle. At a house 

raisintr two miles north of Princeton, in the summer 

of 1835, where many of the settlers were collected. 
21 



398 REMINISCENCES OF BCKEAU COUNTY. 

one of their number, Elisha Wood, a Deacon of the 
Congregational church, expressed an opinion, that the 
time would come, when all the prairie between Main 
and East Bureau would be brought under cultivation. 
This opinion appeared to those present so ridiculous, 
and it was so much criticised, that the deacon qualified 
his statement by saying such a thing was possible. 

The traveler who crossed these prairies while in 
a state of nature, can scarcely realize the fact that 
they are now all under cultivation, fenced into fields, 
and dotted over with dwellings and barns. The wheat 
and corn fields of the present occupy the place of wild 
prairie, covered with grass and flowers of forty years ago. 
In less than a half of a century, it has been changed 
from a wild, uninhabited region, wliere the howl of 
wolves and yells of savages were heard, to a well im- 
proved and highly cultivated eountrj', the homes of 
enterprising farmers, whose products feed people in 
foreign countries. As it were by magic, fine villages 
have sprung up here and there on the prairie, with 
their tall spires glittering in the sun beams, and the 
musical peals of the church and school bells are heard 
throughout the country. The shrill whistle of engines 
are heard as they fly swiftly across the prairies, conveying 
commerce from the Atlantic to the Pacific. The rude 
log cabins, with their puncheon floor, clapboard door and 
stick chimney, have been superseded by fine dwellings, 
containing the comforts and conveniences of civiliza- 
tion. The settlement of the country has exceeded 



PROGRESS OK SETTLEMENT, 899 

the expectations of the most sanguine, as no one 
supposed that the prairies of Bureau county would be 
settled in so short a time. 

In the summer of 1836, Deacon Alby Smith, who 
lived southeast of Princeton, on a farm now occupied 
by John Kinnan, was a candidate for the legislature. 
Some of the early settlers called Deacon Smith a 
visionary Yankee, and not a man of good judgment, 
because he had made a farm out on the prairie, while 
locations were still plenty adjoining timber. It was 
also alleged that the Deacon had expressed an opinion 
that the time would come when the prairies throughout 
the state would all be brought under cultivation, with 
railroads across them. People thought a man enter- 
taining such wild, \'isionary views, was not fit to 
represent them in the legislature, consequently he was 
dropped, and Thomas At water, of Hennepin, was 
elected in his place. 

During the summer of 1836, there was great emigra- 
tion to the western country, and settlements were 
commenced throughout the north part of the state. 
So soon as grass afforded feed for cattle, the white- 
topped wagons of emigrants were seen crossing the 
prairies, and with them were miners with ox teams, 
called suckers, who went north in the spring and south 
in the fall. 

The great emigration to this county made it necessary 
for provison to be brought up the river, to supply the 
demand. In 1838, there was a surplus of grain and 



400 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY, 

* 

pork, but it found a ready market among the new 
settlement on Rock river. About this time people 
commenced hauling produce to Chicago, and returning 
with lumber or goods. From 1840 to 1852, large 
quantities of produce was shipped down the river to 
St. Louis, and during part of that time wheat was only 
worth twenty-five cents per bushel, and pork, net, one 
dollar and fifty cents per cwt. 

From 1837 to 1850, the settlement of this county 
was very slow, but at the latter period railroads were 
projected, when people came here from various parts 
of the world, and settled on the prairies. About this 
time the old plan of fencing with rails was abandoned, 
and board, wire and hedge fence introduced. In the 
first settlement of the country, wooden mould board 
plows were in use, afterwards the cast mouldboards, 
but in 1845 the steel plow took their place. In the 
summer of 1837, Flavel Thurston, of West Bureau, 
introduced the small breaking plow, and it is believed 
that he was the first man in the state to break prairie 
with a span of horses.* 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Post Office. — In 1829, Henry Thomas obtained a 
grant for a post ofiice, named Bureau, and for a number 

* It was not intended in this work to give a history of the agricultu- 
ral and commercial resources of the county, nor of the settlement of 
towns and villages; but should another volume be required, these 
things can be added. 



MISCELLANEOUS. 401 

of years all the mail for the settlement west of the river 
caine through it. In the winter of 1831-32, Elijah 
Smith was appointed postmaster for the settlement on 
Princeton prairie, and his office was called Greenfield. 
In 1833, the name of this ofiiee was changed to Prince- 
ton, and Dr. N^. Chamberlain appointed postmaster. 
This office was supplied once a week with mail from 
Thomas" office, and was generally carried by William O. 
Chamberlain. When the streams were high, not 
fordable, the mail carrier would go on foot, crossing 
the Bureaus on trees which had been fallen for that 
purpose. The mail package consisted of a few letters 
and papers, which were carried in the coat j)ocket of 
the carrier. 

Dr. Chamberlain, living one and one-half miles south 
of town, made it inconvenient for people to obtain their 
mail, and in the fall of 1834 John M. Gay having 
opened a store in town, was appointed postmaster. 

P'iRE ON THE Prairie. — Before the settlement of the 
country, annual fires swept over the prairies — the grand 
and yet terrific appearance of which will long be 
remembered by the early settlers. Sometimes fires 
would travel one hundred miles or more, regardless of 
intervening timber and streams. During the fall and 
winter, when the weather was dry, lights from these 
fires could be seen almost every night, frequently in 
various directions at the same time. The reflection on 
the horizon was such as to make these lights visible for 



402 REMINISCENCES OF BUKEAU COUNTY. 

lifty or sixty miles, and on a dark night they would 
supply the place of the moon. 

In Kovember, 1836, a tire started on Spoon river 
(Stark county), about 10 o'clock in the morning, and 
with a strong southwest wind, it traveled about ten 
miles per hour, passing between West Bureau and 
Green river, having a front of eight miles in width, 
and its roaring could be heard for many miles distant. 
Before sundown, this fire had burned to the banks of 
Rock river, where Rockford now stands, passing over a 
country of about sixty miles in extent. 

Physicians. — For the first three years after the settle- 
ment had commenced on Bureau, there was no physi- 
cian nearer than Peoria. In the summer of 1831, Dr. 
N. Chamberlain settled on Bureau, and for a number of 
years he was the only physician in the country. When 
the settlement was commenced on Rock river. Dr. 
Chamberlain extended his practice into that country, 
and visited patients in that region as late as 1837. At 
a later period, Dr. William O. Chamberlain and Dr. 
Swanzy were the principal ph}sicians of this county. 
The former was known everywhere as Dr. Bill, and for 
twenty -five years he had an extensive practice in 
various parts of the country. The latter. Dr. Swanzy, 
stood high in his profession, and was frequently called 
as counsel in other sections of the country. 

Blacksmithing. — For a number of years after the 



MISCELLANEOUS. 4( >0 

settlement had commenced on Bureau, there was im 
blacksmith shop in the couutry, and people were 
obliged to o^o tiftv or sixty miles in order to have work- 
done. On different occasions Dad Joe, sent his plow 
irons to Peoria, sixty-tive miles distance, in the boat or 
the stage coach to get them sharpened. Burton Ayres, 
at the mouth of little Yermillion (now La Salle), carried 
on blacksmithing, and was patronized by some of the 
Bureau settlers. In the summer of 1833, John H. 
Bryant, in order to get the irons of his breaking- 
plow reparied, carried them on a horse before him to 
Laughlin's smith shop, six miles east of Hennepin. 
The first blacksmith shop within the limits of this 
county, was built in Princeton, by S. D. Courtwright, 
in the fall of 1833, and the next spring Abram Musick 
started one four miles north of Princeton. 

In the summer of 1831, James G. Forristall, and 
George Hinsdale were under the necessity of having 
irons made for a breaking plow, and to obtain them, 
they made a trip to Peoria. At the mouth of Bureau 
creek they went on board of an Indian canoe, one 
occupying the bow, and the other the stearn, and in this 
way they paddled it down to Peoria. On arriving at 
Peoria they found the shop closed, and the blacksmith 
off on a visit. Again they boarded their craft and 
went down to Pekin, twelve miles further, where they 
succeeded in getting their work done, and returned the 
same way they came, after being nine days in making 
the trip. Each night while on the road they tied their 



404 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNT i", 

canoe to a tree at the shore, and slept in it. The whole 
distance traveled in going to and from the blacksmith 
shop, was one hundred and sixty-five miles. 

Township Organization. — Took effect in 1850, 
when the connty commissioner's court was superseded 
by the board of supervisors. At that time the county 
was divided into nine precincts, which were named as 
follows : Princeton, Tiskilwa, Do^'^er, La Moille, French 
Grove, Green Kiver, Hall, Brush Creek, and Hazle- 
wood. 

During the late rebellion, Bureau county fm-nished 
3,626 soldiers, and paid $650,000 in bounties to the same. 
A few years previous, in 1860, the board of supervisors 
appropriated $18,000 to remodel the courthouse. This 
appropriation was much criticised by the people, many 
believing this large debt was ruinous to the welfare of 
the county, but a few years afterwards a half a million 
of dollars was appropriated for soldiers bounties and 
paid without a murmer. 

The politics of this county originally was "Whig ; it 
is now Kepu.blican, by a large majority. 

The present population of the county is supposed to 
be about 35,000, about one-fourth of whom are 
foreigners. 

Mills of Bureau County. — There has been built 
in this county, at different periods, forty-seven water 
mills — thirty-one of which were saw, and sixteen 



MISCELLANEOUS. 405 

tiouring. Of these mills thirty were built on Main 
Bureau, four on West Bureau, two on East Bureau, one 
on Master's tork of Main Bureau, one on Spring creek, 
one on Crow creek, two on Coal creek, one on Green 
river, two on Brush creek, two on Negro creek, and 
one ran by a spring, at the head of Spring lake. Of 
these mills only fifteen are now running. 

Illinois and Mississippi Canal. — In the spring of 
1836, a project was agitated for constructing a canal, to 
connect the Illinois with the Mississippi river, and Dr. 
A. Langworthy employed R. R, Pearce, to make a 
survey of the route, as far as Green river. In the 
summer of 1866, another survey of this proposed canal 
was made, with a feeder to be taken out of Rock river, 
and intersect the canal near Devil's Grove. Again, in 
1870, the general government in accordance with an act 
of congress, made a survey of this rout, for the purpose 
of making it a ship canal. 

Railkoads, — In 1839 a survey of the old Illinois 

Central railroad was made through this county, and the 

work on it commenced. This road entered the county 

in section twenty-five, Westfield, and left it in section 

two. La Moille, passing north of Lost Grove, and 

through the south end of Perkins' Grove, making a 

straight line through the county. After the grading 

was partly done through the county, the enterprise was 

abandoned. 
22 



406 REMINISCENCES OF BUREAU COUNTY. 

In the year 1853, the Chicago and Rock Island rail- 
road was built, and its length in this county is thirty- 
eight miles, Tlie Chicago, Burlington and Quincy 
railroad was built in 1854, with a length in this county 
of forty-two miles. The Peoria and Bureau Yalley 
railroad was built in 1855, and its length in this county 
is about five miles. The Rushville and Buda railroad 
was built in 1870, and seven miles of its length is in 
this county. The Mendota and Prophetstown railroad 
was commenced in 1856, completed in 1870, and it has 
a length in this county of twenty-seven miles. The 
Kankakee and Pacific railroad was built in 1871, and 
three miles of its length is in this county. 



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Deacidified using the Bookkeeper process. 
Neutralizing Agent: Magnesium Oxide 
Treatment Date: 

m 1998 
BBKKEEPER 

PRESERVATION TECHNOLOGIES, LP. 
1 1 1 Thomson Park Drive 
Cranberry Townsilip, PA 16066 
(724)779-2111 




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